FlySafair Pilots' Strike Ends After Agreement Reached Following Negotiations

• FlySafair has reached a deal following negotiations with its pilots, who went on a protected strike
• The strike came to an end after Solidarity, the union, reached an agreement with FlySafair
• The airline announced that it had returned to a full-flight schedule after the agreement was signed on 1 August 2025

Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa, during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

JOHANNESBURG —FlySafair has returned to a full-flight schedule after it reached an agreement with its pilots on 1 August 2025. This brought the pilots' strike to an end following negotiations with the airline and trade union Solidarity.

In a statement, FySafair's Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon said that the airline engaged with Solidarity for three weeks under the guidance of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). This means that all personnel are returning to active duty and schedules are being normalised.

Read also

Cyril Ramaphosa hopeful of striking trade deal with USA ahead of 30% tariffs, SA not that optimistic

Gordon said that the airline reached a constructive solution with the pilots, who were demanding a salary increase of more than 10%. She also announced that FlySafair has returned to full flight schedules, which is essential for restoring fare equilibrium.

How much did they agree to?

According to Solidarity, the airline agreed to give pilots increases over the next four years. The airline agreed to increments of 6%, 6.5%, 6.8% and 6.9%. These apply to travel, subsistence, and medical allowances. Pilots will also be additionally compensated for every hour more than 65 flying hours monthly.

On 21 July, FlySafair denied that all of its flights were cancelled. This was after pilots downed their tools and went on a strike after negotiations for a 10.5% salary increase reached a deadlock.

An off-duty passenger helped a FlySafair pilot land a plane after he fell sick. His First Officer requested the assistance of a pilot on board. Fortunately, the off-duty pilot responded and came to the rescue. He did not do any flying but read the required checklist, making it possible for the First Officer to land the plane.

Read also

SA reacts as SARB governor Lesetja Kganyago cuts repo rate by 25 basis point to 10.5 percent

What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on Facebook shared their views.

Dave Ueckermann said:

"Now take that Helgard Cronje to court and sue him and Solidarity for loss of earnings and damage to your good image."

Jeannie Els Crafford said:

"Pay your people! Our lives are in their hands."

Lazy Housewife said:

"A big shout out to the CCMA!You guys were amazing. Thank you so much for helping sort this whole story out."

FlySafair defends salary offer

In a related article, Briefly News reported that FlySafair defended the offer it made to its pilots. The airline said that its pilots are paid competitively in the market.

Gordon told Briefly News that flySafair's offer included a 5.7% increase in base salary. This also included in-flight pay and other benefits.

Source: Briefly News