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Behind the Skies: What’s Really Happening with the FlySafair Pilot Strike in 2025

Published

2 months ago

July 23, 2025

Chiraag

Flysafair pilot strike 2025, South African airline news, Solidarity union pilots, flight schedule updates, aviation workers South Africa, CCMA mediation FlySafair, passenger reaction FlySafair, Joburg ETC

If you’ve flown with FlySafair this week or watched the headlines from your phone screen in the boarding queue, you’ve probably asked the same question: how is South Africa’s leading low-cost airline still flying during a pilot strike?

As of Wednesday, all scheduled FlySafair flights are still in the air despite a two-week pilot walkout declared by the Solidarity union. And while the planes keep landing on time, 95.2% of them, in fact, there is turbulence brewing just out of sight.

So what is really going on behind the cockpit doors?

Pilots Want More Than a Pay Raise

The strike isn’t just about money. Yes, pilots want a reasonable salary adjustment that brings their income back in line with pre-pandemic levels. But more urgently, they’re calling for a return to humane working conditions.

According to Solidarity spokesperson Helgard Cronjé, a new rostering system introduced by FlySafair without prior negotiation has disrupted what pilots describe as a decade-long balance. The changes, pilots argue, have seriously impacted their rest schedules, family lives, and overall well-being.

“Pilots are now working rotating schedules that run seven days a week, often from before sunrise to late at night,” said Cronjé. “This not only affects their personal lives but also raises concerns about rest and passenger safety.”

The union and FlySafair are heading into mediation talks at the CCMA this week to try and break the deadlock.

How Is FlySafair Still Flying?

The simple answer is not all pilots are on strike. FlySafair confirmed that the majority of its pilots are still at work, helping the airline maintain a reduced but stable flight schedule.

Passengers with affected bookings have been notified in advance via SMS and email, and according to FlySafair’s internal data, operations are largely running on time.

Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon praised the company’s teams for their resilience, saying, “We are immensely grateful to our staff for going above and beyond. Our focus remains on our customers and getting back to full operations as soon as possible.”

Passenger Reactions and Public Mood

On social media, reactions have been mixed. Some travellers expressed gratitude for minimal delays, especially given South Africa’s recent record of disrupted services. Others shared concern over pilot fatigue, with posts on X (formerly Twitter) like:

“Still love FlySafair, but this pilot strike has me wondering how safe the 6am red-eye really is.”

“Mad respect to the pilots still flying – but let’s not forget why the others are striking. Human beings need rest.”

There’s also been some praise for how the airline handled communications, with one traveller noting:

“Got a text about my time change days in advance. Smooth service, even during a strike.”

What’s Next for South Africa’s Favourite Low-Cost Carrier?

The outcome of this week’s CCMA mediation will determine whether FlySafair can avoid further disruptions or whether a deeper rift will emerge between management and pilots.

The airline has remained clear that it wants a constructive resolution, but it’s also counting on its loyal staff and efficient systems to keep flying through the storm.

For now, FlySafair passengers can rest easy knowing their flights are taking off. But behind the scenes, the call for change is echoing louder from the flight deck.