FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon says that despite the employer-initiated work stoppage, the airline has enough crew to continue operations as normal now and into the week.
The work stoppage was initiated at midnight on Monday, 3 November after the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) rejected FlySafair’s offer of a 5.7% wage increase, a 7.5% annual bonus, monthly allowances, and pay progression.
FlySafairsays that its offer translates to a 16-19% annual pay increase.
The union also says that along with higher wages, the workers are demanding a revision of the roster.
SACCA also raised questions about the interpretation of specific sections of the Labour Relations Act. Both parties agreed to refer these matters to the Department of Labour.
Gordon explained that many of FlySafair’s workers are not part of the union, and many who are part of SACCA have agreed to the current wage increase.
As a result, 67% of the airline’s crew complement is committed to returning to work, says Gordon. This includes union and non-union members who have accepted FlySafair’s 5.7% wage increase offer.
Gordon explained that because of this, the airline’s schedule will not be affected by the lockout.
This is also due to the fact it has already reduced its during November to get ahead of maintenance in preparation for the busy December season, and it has hired additional staff to help over the same time period.
This is not the first strike FlySafair has faced this year, as its pilots went on strike in July 2025, with similar demands – largely centred around roster disgreements and a pay dispute.
The strike and lockouts lasted more than a week and forced the airline to cancel flights.
FlySafair is South Africa’s largest airline, operating around 60% of the country’s domestic flights and transporting approximately 30,000 passengers every day.
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