FlySafair, South Africa’s largest low-cost airline, has cancelled multiple flights as pilots strike over wage disagreements. The FlySafair pilot strike, led by Solidarity, began on 21 July 2025, disrupting domestic travel during a busy period.
Wage Dispute Fuels Tensions
Solidarity represents about 210 pilots, roughly two-thirds of FlySafair’s cockpit crew. They rejected the airline’s offer of a 5.7% salary increase. The union demands a 10% hike for the 2025/2026 financial year. They cite inadequate compensation and strained management relations during the FlySafair pilot wage strike.
FlySafair argues its pilots are well-paid. Captains earn between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually, placing them among South Africa’s top earners.
From Strike to Lockout
Since April 2025, negotiations faltered, leading Solidarity to issue a one-day strike notice. FlySafair retaliated with a seven-day lockout, barring striking pilots from work. Solidarity then extended the strike to 14 days. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) proposed mediation, but FlySafair’s refusal delays resolution, intensifying the FlySafair pilot strike.
Flight Cancellations and Contingency Plans
The FlySafair pilot strike caused 26 flight cancellations on 21 July, despite promises of minimal disruption. FlySafair adjusts schedules and redeploys non-striking staff to sustain operations.
Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon stated, “We manage the situation responsibly, with contingency plans to limit disruption.”
The airline notifies affected passengers via email or SMS and offers free booking changes on its website.
Travel Disruptions Loom
With the strike extended to 14 days, further cancellations may impact FlySafair’s 30,000 daily passengers affected by the FlySafair pilot wage strike. Travellers are advised to check flight statuses regularly. The standoff, coupled with a separate dispute over a new rostering system, highlights deeper tensions between pilots and management.
Solidarity’s Helgard Cronje criticised FlySafair’s lockout as “reckless,” urging the airline to return to negotiations. As both sides remain at an impasse, the FlySafair pilot strike threatens South Africa’s air travel reliability.
56 Flights already cancelled just for today (22/07/2025) I do agree that the working environment needs to be in order as the crew are responsible for loads of lives. The carrier boasted it had contingencies in place to not interrupt flights, oh dear! As for the wages, it seems that R1.8m – R2.3m doesn’t cut it for the captains? I guess FlySafair will no longer be deemed a low cost airline!