SAA pilots’ strike sparks frustration and anger among passengers

Many South African Airways (SAA) passengers’ travel plans have been disrupted as the airline’s pilots began a strike today.

The strike went ahead after wage talks between the airline and South African Airways Pilots Association (Saapa) and National Transport Movement (NTM) fell through. The effects were felt just hours after the pilots took to the streets, affecting quite a number of passengers. The Citizen reports that many were left frustrated after they were stranded at the OR Tambo Airport on 5 December 2024.

FRUSTRATED PASSENGERS THREATEN TO SUE

Hundreds of passengers were seen standing in queues at some airports this morning. Those left stranded at the OR Tambo Airport expressed their anger over the situation. Some were even reported to have threatened to take legal action against SAA for missing their flights.

REASON FOR THE SAA PILOTS’ STRIKE

The pilots association initially asked for a 30% salary increase, which was reduced to 15.7% plus benefits. However, SAA only offered 8.46%, which is said to be backdated to April, the time when the negotiations started. The length of the strike is currently unclear, leaving the plans of many holiday travellers in the air.

WHICH FLIGHTS ARE AFFECTED?

All SAA flights on regional and domestic routes have been affected by the strike. These include Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Windhoek, Gqeberha and Mauritius. Here’s the list of routes below.

• Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Cape Town (CPT)
• Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Durban (DUR)
• Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Gqeberha (PLZ)
• Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Windhoek (WDH)
• Johannesburg (JNB) to/from Mauritius (MRU)

WHAT HAPPENS TO PASSENGERS?

According to IOL, a travel advisory has been issued. SAA said in a statement: “Customers booked to fly on our services on the affected day will be re-accommodated to the next available flights operated by SAA. We urge our trade partners to manage their booking queues and communicate these changes to our valued customers accordingly.”

Flight Centre South Africa has also issued a statement to customers who have been affected. Their MD Euan McNeil said: “We are fully focused on helping our customers navigate this situation and will continue to provide regular updates as new information becomes available.”

Travel News also reported that SAA has urged all agents to communicate with passengers that are affected as they are likely to have their contact details. Also, agents can be able to book flights on the next suitable date for travellers in the same cabin as requested in the initial booking.