FlySafair

FlySafair is an international low-cost airline based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is a subsidiary of Safair and flies to 15 destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa, operating a fleet of 36 aircraft as of 2026.^[2]

The company is regarded as South Africa's first true low-cost carrier, and has been credited with reducing prices on certain domestic routes, as well as having the best on-time performance of any major South African airline.^[4]

The airline was established in August 2013 and was granted approval by the South African Air Service Licensing Council to launch operations with ten daily services between Johannesburg's O. R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.^[5]

The airline had plans to begin operations in October 2013.^[6] However, on 8 October 2013, the High Court of South Africa granted an interim court order preventing the airline from starting operations, following an application by rival carriers,^[7] on the basis that it did not meet the legal requirement of 75% local ownership.

Substantial restructuring of ownership took place and FlySafair's inaugural flight eventually took place on 16 October 2014.^[1]

In 2017, the airline announced a partnership with the South African Rugby Union (SARU), making it the official domestic carrier for the Springboks and SA Rugby. The deal was extended for four years in February 2020.^[8][9]

In September 2022, the airline went through a rebrand with redesigns to their logo and new livery.^[10] The International Air Services Council of South Africa also approved 11 new international routes.^[11][12]

On the 5th of November 2024, the airline announced that they had become the official domestic carrier of the Proteas.^[13]

In July 2025, more than 200 FlySafair pilots, representing almost two-thirds of the airline’s cockpit crew, embarked on industrial action through the Solidarity trade union after rejecting a wage offer. The pilots requested a base salary increase of 10.5% for 2025/26, followed by annual increases of CPI plus 4.5% and CPI plus 4% in subsequent years. They also raised concerns about changes to rosters that they said negatively impacted leave allocation and work-life balance.^[14]

FlySafair countered with a 5.7% increase to base pay, along with performance-based bonuses, which brought the overall cost-to-company increase to approximately 11.3%. The airline stated that this offer was both competitive and sustainable, given the broader economic environment.^[15]

The strike began on 21 July 2025, resulting in the cancellation of about 12 to 13% of scheduled flights. This included 26 cancelled services on 21 July, and two more on 22 July, affecting operations out of the airline’s main bases. FlySafair notified affected passengers, offered refunds, and implemented contingency plans to minimise disruption.^[16][17]

The airline noted that its pilots were among the top earners in the industry, with captains earning between R1.8 million and R2.3 million per year. Average flying hours stood at 63 per month, which FlySafair emphasised remained within regulatory limits.^[14]

Following the announcement of a one-day strike, FlySafair responded with a seven-day lockout of the affected pilots. Solidarity then extended the strike declaration to 14 days. Talks between the airline and union were mediated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.^[18][19]

FlySafair defended its wage offer as being in line with market conditions, arguing that it struck a fair balance between pilot expectations, affordability for passengers, and the long-term financial health of the organisation.^[15]

In February 2026, it was reported that South African private equity firm Harith General Partners, based in Sandton, had agreed to purchase FlySafair. The deal was still subject to approvals by regulators, including antitrust authorities and two licensing bodies. Harith Chairman Tshepo Mahloele said at the time that the deal would comprise around 15% of the equity firm's overall portfolio. Also at the time of the announcement, it was reported that FlySafair constituted over 60% of South African domestic airline seat capacity.^[20]

FlySafair serves the following 15 destinations:

FlySafair interlines with the following airlines:

• Air France^[21]
• Emirates^[22]
• Qatar Airways^[23][24]
• Ethiopian Airlines^[25]
• KLM^[21]
• Kenya Airways
• Norse Atlantic Airways
• Proflight Zambia

As of August 2025, FlySafair operates the following aircraft:^[26]

FlySafair offers food and drinks as a buy-on-board programme, partnering up with Tourvest. FlySafair also offers a monthly magazine on board named In Flight. It was also the first airline in South Africa to offer card payments aboard their flights.

On their international routes they offer a pre-packed meal at no charge, with other food and drink options for sale. For hygienic reasons, the In Flight magazine is currently only in digital format.

• On 12 November 2022, a South African Airways Airbus A320 (registered ZS-SZJ) was towed and collided with a parked FlySafair Boeing 737-800 (registered ZS-SJH) at O. R. Tambo International Airport.^[27][28] No passengers were onboard either aircraft at the time. The 737’s empennage section and A320's wingtip were damaged.^[29][30] Both aircraft were returned to service shortly after the incident.
• On 21 April 2024, a FlySafair Boeing 737-800 (registered ZS-FGE), operating flight FA212 from Johannesburg to Cape Town, lost one of its left main landing gear, #2 wheel on take-off. The aircraft burnt fuel after being made aware of the missing wheel, and made a low pass over O.R. Tambo International Airport for emergency services to assess damage. The wheel affected was one of the two attached to the left rear landing strut. Unfortunately, the landing resulted in further damage to the rim of the remaining wheel assembly. There were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew on board, but the incident did cause delays at the airport as crews worked to clear the runway.^[31]

In November 2024, the South African International Air Services Council investigation found that ASL Aviation Holdings, based in Ireland, owns 74.86% of FlySafair through an investment holding company. This is in contravention of local laws, which require a minimum of 75% local shareholding.^[32]

In December 2024, South Africa's domestic authority(SACAA) ruled the same. Sanction has yet to be determined.^[33]

• List of airlines of South Africa

Media related to FlySafair at Wikimedia Commons

• Official website