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FlySafair
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FlySafair is an international low-cost airline based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is a subsidiary of Safair and flies to 14 destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Information

History

[edit]

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.[3]

The airline had plans to begin operations in October 2013.[4] 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,[5] 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.[6][7]

In September 2022, the airline went through a rebrand with redesigns to their logo and new livery.[8] The International Air Services Council of South Africa also approved 11 new international routes.[9][10]

On the 5th of November 2024, the airline announced that they had become the official domestic carrier of the Proteas.[11]

2025 strike & flight disruptions

[edit]

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.[12]

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.[13]

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.[14][15]

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.[12]

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.[16][17]

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.[13]

Destinations

[edit]

FlySafair serves the following 15 destinations:[citation needed]

Country City Airport Notes
Mauritius Port Louis Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
Namibia Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
South Africa Bloemfontein Bram Fischer International Airport
Cape Town Cape Town International Airport Hub
Durban King Shaka International Airport Hub
East London King Phalo Airport
George George Airport
Hoedspruit Air Force Base Hoedspruit
Mbombela Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Gqeberha Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International Airport Hub
Lanseria International Airport Hub
Tanzania Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Zimbabwe Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
Victoria Falls Victoria Falls Airport

Interline agreements

[edit]

FlySafair interlines with the following airlines:

Fleet

[edit]
FlySafair Boeing 737-400 in the airline's 2013 livery
FlySafair Boeing 737-800 in the airline's 2015 livery

As of August 2025, FlySafair operates the following aircraft:[23]

Aircraft Active Orders Passengers Notes
Y
Boeing 737-400 1 0 165 Only one still operating, with the registration: ZS-OAF
Boeing 737-800 35 1 189
Total 36 1

Services

[edit]

In-flight service

[edit]

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.

FlySafair Boeing 737-800 in a special livery commemorating the Springboks rugby team

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
  • 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.[24][25] No passengers were onboard either aircraft at the time. The 737’s empennage section and A320's wingtip were damaged.[26][27] 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.[28]

Aviation licence

[edit]

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.[29]

In December 2024, South Africa's domestic authority(SACAA) ruled the same. Sanction has yet to be determined.[30]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FlySafair

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

FlySafair is a low-cost airline based at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, operating as a subsidiary of Safair, a specialist aviation company established in 1965. It commenced passenger services on 16 October 2014 with Boeing 737-400 aircraft, focusing on affordable domestic flights that reduced fares on key routes by up to 32%. The carrier now maintains a fleet of around 37 Boeing 737 narrowbody aircraft, serving primary South African destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, and East London, alongside regional routes to places like Mauritius and Zanzibar. FlySafair holds approximately 60% of South Africa's domestic market share by seat capacity, transporting over 30,000 passengers daily and earning accolades including for 2025 by and the most on-time in the and for 2024 with 93.82% punctuality. It possesses full IOSA safety certification, last audited in July 2023. Despite these successes, the has faced significant regulatory over breaches of limits—stemming from its partial ties to Ireland-based ASL Aviation Holdings—leading to investigations, proposed sanctions, and a 2025 pilot strike that highlighted vulnerabilities in the domestic sector.

History

Founding and early operations

FlySafair was established in 2013 by Operations (Pty) Ltd, a South African firm founded in 1965 that had specialized in , , and leasing services using aircraft such as Lockheed and models. The new entity aimed to operate as a low-cost scheduled passenger carrier, drawing on Safair's operational expertise from prior wet-leasing arrangements for airlines including and Kulula. Initial plans called for launching services in October 2013 with four 737-400 aircraft sourced from Safair's fleet, targeting affordable domestic routes amid a market dominated by higher-fare incumbents. Competitors, including established carriers, mounted legal challenges against FlySafair's air service licensing and compliance, resulting in court-ordered delays and regulatory scrutiny that prevented operations for nearly a year. These disputes centered on interpretations of foreign limits and licensing requirements under South African , forcing of ownership stakes before approval was granted. FlySafair retained its hired staff throughout the standoff, preserving operational readiness. Commercial operations commenced on 16 October 2014 with the inaugural flight from to (CPT-JNB), priced from R499 including taxes, introducing a no-frills model with ancillary fees for extras to undercut rivals by up to 32% on key routes. Early flights utilized reconfigured 737-400s featuring the airline's distinctive pink-and-blue , focusing on high-frequency, point-to-point service between major hubs. The carrier rapidly added routes, such as to , and achieved profitability within its second year, signaling effective adaptation to demand for budget travel despite the protracted startup.

Expansion and market growth

FlySafair commenced operations on 16 October 2014 with two leased 737-400 aircraft serving the – route, rapidly expanding its domestic network to include destinations such as , Port Elizabeth, , and George. By , the had grown its fleet to over 20 aircraft and operated to 11 domestic destinations, capturing significant market share in South Africa's low-cost sector through aggressive pricing that reduced fares by up to 32% on key routes compared to legacy carriers. International expansion began in 2021 with the launch of services to , marking FlySafair's entry into regional markets and leveraging its efficient operations to compete with established carriers. Subsequent additions included routes to and other sub-Saharan destinations, bringing the total to five international points by 2025 alongside nine domestic ones. This network growth supported increased frequencies, with the airline offering over 1,250 weekly flights and approximately 230,000 seats by October 2025. Fleet modernization drove further capacity expansion, transitioning from older 737-400 models to 737-800s; between January 2024 and September 2025, eight new 737-800s were added, increasing total passenger capacity by 5.3% or 324 seats and positioning FlySafair as Africa's largest operator of the type with a fleet of 37 . Recent route launches, such as to Hoedspruit starting 2 October 2025 and new services from Lanseria, reflect ongoing domestic market penetration amid South Africa's airlines sector projected to grow from USD 6.29 billion in 2023 to USD 8.66 billion by 2032 at a 3.62% CAGR.

2025 pilot strike

In July 2025, FlySafair pilots, represented by the Solidarity trade union, initiated an unprotected strike on 21 July over disputes concerning wage increases and rostering practices. The union rejected the airline's proposed 5.7% salary hike for the 2025-2026 financial year, demanding 10.5% instead, amid broader grievances including fatigue-inducing schedules and management disregard for pilot input. On the strike's outset, 26 flights were cancelled, affecting hundreds of passengers and prompting FlySafair to operate a reduced timetable with some delays persisting into subsequent days. Pilots articulated deeper concerns in an released on 29 July, framing the action as a quest for dignity, safety, and equitable treatment rather than mere financial gain. They contested the airline's reported average of 63 flight hours per month, asserting actual workloads often reached 85-100 hours, compounded by an opaque algorithm-driven rostering system that minimized rest—such as denying a single weekend off monthly—and fostered a "culture of silence" leading to 37 resignations earlier in the year. highlighted FlySafair's reliance on a legal allowance of up to 120 hours monthly without collaborative scheduling, attributing these conditions to heightened error risks and pilot burnout. FlySafair countered that its rostering adhered to international norms, offered a joint committee for pilot oversight, and noted the 5.7% wage proposal had been largely accepted prior to escalation over non-monetary issues. The airline maintained operations at limited capacity, with some flights departing on schedule despite the action. The strike, spanning roughly two weeks, disrupted domestic travel, exacerbated fare inflation, and drew public apologies from pilots for inconvenienced passengers. It resolved on 1 August 2025 via a formal agreement between management and , restoring full operations, though details of concessions on wages or rosters remained undisclosed in public statements.

Ownership and regulatory affairs

Ownership structure and compliance issues

FlySafair operates as a wholly owned of (Pty) Ltd, a South African established to manage assets. 's is structured to align with South Africa's Regulations, which mandate that air service licensees maintain at least 75% South African or control, limiting foreign beneficial interest to 25%. The structure includes approximately 50% held by the Safair Investment Trust—a South African-registered entity managed by local trustees—25% by Safair Holdings (ultimately controlled by Ireland-based ASL Aviation Holdings), and the remaining 25% by B4i Safair, a South African vehicle. This arrangement vests ASL's 49.86% economic interest in the trust to ostensibly ensure South African control over voting rights and operations. Compliance challenges emerged in late 2024 when Global Aviation Operations (trading as Lift Airline), a domestic competitor, lodged a complaint with the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) alleging FlySafair's structure violates nationality requirements due to foreign beneficial ownership exceeding legal limits. On January 14, 2025, the ASLC ruled FlySafair non-compliant, determining that the trust's vesting did not sufficiently localize control, as ASL retained de facto influence despite South African trustees. The council imposed a 12-month remediation period ending February 5, 2026, during which FlySafair could continue operations but faced potential route suspensions or license revocation upon expiry if unresolved. FlySafair contested the ruling, asserting that similar trust-based structures are prevalent among South African carriers and that the ASLC's interpretation ignored precedents where voting rights held by residents satisfied regulatory intent. In response, FlySafair sought , arguing the ASLC decision contained factual errors and overlooked the operational reality of compliant South African management. On October 7, 2025, the High Court in granted interim relief, overturning the fixed 12-month deadline and allowing FlySafair to operate pending full resolution of the dispute, effectively suspending enforcement actions. The court acknowledged the structure's origins in 2014, when reorganized post-ASL acquisition to vest foreign stakes in South African trusts, but noted ongoing in applying the 25% foreign cap to beneficial versus nominal . As of October 2025, the matter remains under litigation, with FlySafair advocating for ministerial intervention to clarify regulations and prevent market distortion favoring complainants with alleged political motivations. No sanctions have been enacted, and the airline maintains its license validity during appeals.

Aviation licensing disputes

In late 2024, South Africa's Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) determined that FlySafair, operated by (Pty) Ltd, was non-compliant with domestic air service licensing requirements under the International Air Services Act, primarily due to excessive . South African regulations mandate that resident air services carriers maintain at least 75% ownership by South African citizens or entities effectively controlled by them, capping at 25%; investigations revealed FlySafair's structure involved approximately 74.86% control by Irish-based ASL Aviation Group, with insufficient direct holdings by South African natural persons to meet the threshold. The ASLC imposed a 12-month remediation period, setting a deadline of January 2026 for FlySafair to restructure its or face potential suspension or of its domestic operating , a ruling that threatened the airline's viability given its dominance in South Africa's low-cost market. FlySafair contested the decision, arguing that its had remained unchanged since a 2013 restructuring approved by regulators and that no new foreign investments had occurred, positioning the ASLC's interpretation as inconsistent with prior approvals and potentially disruptive to competition in the aviation sector. On October 7, 2025, the Division of the in granted FlySafair an urgent , suspending the January 2026 deadline pending a full merits review of the ASLC's ruling, thereby allowing uninterrupted operations in the interim. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in South African aviation policy between enforcing strict local control provisions—intended to prioritize national economic interests—and accommodating efficient operators amid limited domestic capacity, with FlySafair maintaining that abrupt enforcement could elevate airfares and reduce service availability. As of October 2025, the case remains unresolved, with potential implications for broader regulatory reforms on foreign investment in the industry.

Operations

Destinations and route network

FlySafair operates a focused low-cost route network centered on 's major urban and tourist hubs, with primary operations from Johannesburg's (JNB) and (HLA), as well as (CPT). As of October 2025, the airline serves 10 domestic destinations within and 5 international destinations across 5 countries, emphasizing point-to-point services between high-demand city pairs like Johannesburg-Cape Town and Johannesburg-Durban. This network supports frequent daily flights on core trunk routes, with frequencies up to multiple times per day on high-traffic paths, while secondary routes operate several times weekly. The domestic network connects key economic centers, coastal cities, and regional airports, facilitating , , and access to safari destinations. Destinations include:
CityAirport CodeNotes
BFN
CPT; major hub
DUR
ELS; new direct service from Lanseria launched November 1, 2025
GeorgeGRJ
(Port Elizabeth)PLZ; new direct service from Lanseria launched November 1, 2025
HDSHoedspruit Airport; service from launched July 2025, expanded October 2, 2025
JNB/HLAO.R. Tambo and Lanseria International Airports; primary hubs
(Nelspruit)MQP
These routes have expanded progressively, with recent additions like enhancing connectivity to wildlife reserves and Lanseria-based services offering alternatives to congested JNB traffic. International operations, introduced to complement domestic growth, target regional markets with seasonal and year-round services from . These include (HRE, ), (MRU, ), (VFA, ), (WDH, ), and (ZNZ, ). - ranks as the busiest international route by seat capacity, followed by services to and , reflecting demand for affordable access to , beach, and urban attractions. No long-haul or transcontinental routes are offered, aligning with the airline's efficient short- to medium-haul model using aircraft.

Fleet composition

As of October 2025, FlySafair maintains an all- 737 fleet focused on narrow-body operations for its low-cost domestic and regional routes. The primarily relies on the 737-800 variant for the bulk of its capacity, with a limited number of older 737-400 providing supplementary service. This composition supports high-utilization, point-to-point flying with configurations optimized for maximum seat density in a single . The active fleet totals 33 aircraft, comprising 31 737-800s (average age 17.7 years) and 2 737-400s (average age 31.5 years), reflecting a strategy of blending newer, fuel-efficient next-generation models with cost-effective classics for short-haul efficiency. An additional 6 aircraft are currently parked, including 4 737-800s and 2 737-400s, amid operational adjustments possibly influenced by factors such as the 2025 pilot strike. The overall fleet size stands at 39 aircraft, with an average age of 19.2 years, and no outstanding orders for new deliveries have been reported.
Aircraft TypeActiveParkedNotes
22Classic series; high-density economy configuration (typically 162-168 seats).
314Next Generation; high-density economy (typically 177-189 seats); supports winglets for improved efficiency.
Historically, FlySafair has operated up to 6 737-400s and introduced 737-800s progressively since around to expand capacity, retiring or storing less efficient units as needed. The fleet's uniformity in type minimizes complexity and costs, aligning with the 's emphasis on operational reliability over diverse aircraft mixes.

Business model and efficiency

FlySafair employs a low-cost carrier (LCC) business model centered on high-volume, point-to-point domestic and regional flights within South Africa and select African destinations, prioritizing cost minimization through standardized operations, minimal frills, and revenue diversification beyond base fares. Ancillary revenues, such as fees for checked baggage (not included in the base Lite fare, which covers only a 7 kg carry-on allowance), seat selection, and priority boarding, supplement ticket sales to offset low base pricing and sustain profitability amid competitive pressures. This approach aligns with broader LCC strategies in southern Africa, where the model has driven a 60% market penetration in South Africa's domestic sector as of 2019 data, enabling FlySafair to capture demand-sensitive leisure and business travelers. Operational efficiency is a cornerstone of FlySafair's model, achieved through high aircraft utilization facilitated by rapid turnaround times and a focus on on-time performance (OTP), which directly supports revenue hours per aircraft and cost containment. In 2023, the recorded a global-leading 92.36% OTP among LCCs, based on analysis of over 30 million flights, reflecting disciplined scheduling and execution that minimizes ground delays and maximizes daily flight cycles. This performance improved to 93.82% in 2024, positioning FlySafair as the most punctual carrier in the and region, with monthly OTP exceeding 93% throughout 2025, including 95.45% in May. To enhance efficiency, FlySafair invests in technology for automation in back-office processes and customer service, reducing scaling costs without proportional staff increases, while refining route networks and fleet operations to optimize utilization amid rising fuel and expense pressures. In 2024, the airline pursued consolidation of routes and fleet assets to contain operating expenses, a strategy informed by empirical drivers like aircraft size standardization (primarily Boeing 737 variants) and high seat load factors, which studies identify as key to LCC efficiency in southern Africa. Such measures have sustained FlySafair's competitive edge, with year-over-year capacity growth of 9.90% in August 2025 attributed to dense scheduling on high-demand corridors like Johannesburg-Cape Town.

Services and performance

In-flight and ancillary services

FlySafair operates as a , offering no complimentary in-flight meals or beverages on its flights. Passengers may purchase a selection of light snacks, such as muffins, sandwiches, and sweets, along with refreshments, directly from cabin crew during the flight. Purchases are accepted via credit or debit cards, including , Visa, and , or FlySafair snack vouchers added during booking. The does not provide systems or onboard as of October 2025, reflecting its focus on minimizing operational costs amid short-haul domestic routes. FlySafair has explored technologies like for future implementation but has not yet deployed them, prioritizing affordability over amenities like streaming or connectivity. Ancillary services are available for purchase during booking or at , including allowances beyond the standard 7 kg (plus one personal item fitting under the seat) included in all fares. starts at 20 kg for a fee, with excess or heavy bags (over 20 kg) incurring additional charges, such as R250 per heavy piece at . Pre-selected seating options include standard seats for R30 per segment (back of ) and extra-legroom seats (exit or bulkhead rows) at higher rates, available via the or . Other extras encompass priority boarding, travel protection insurance, lounge access, and cancellation upgrades for refundable vouchers. FlySafair's fare structure differentiates inclusions, with ancillaries designed to allow customization:
Fare TypeHand LuggageChecked LuggageOther Inclusions
Lite7 kg bag + personal itemNoneBasic seat assignment (random if not pre-selected)
Standard7 kg bag + personal item20 kgPriority boarding option available as add-on
Business7 kg bag + personal item2 × 23 kg (plus special equipment)Fee-free changes, enhanced flexibility
Lite fares exclude checked bags to keep base prices low, while higher tiers bundle for . All add-ons can be bundled during online booking to reduce per-item fees.

Operational reliability and customer metrics

FlySafair has demonstrated strong operational reliability through consistently high on-time metrics. In 2024, the achieved an on-time rate of 93.82%, earning recognition as the most punctual carrier in the and region by Cirium Analytics. This figure positioned FlySafair among the top performers globally, with the leading regional rankings for 11 out of 12 months that year. In September 2025, FlySafair recorded a 90.31% on-time arrival rate at , exceeding the facility's 87% target. The carrier also maintained a flight completion factor of 99.86%, indicating minimal disruptions from cancellations or diversions under normal conditions. However, reliability has faced challenges from external factors, notably a pilot strike in July 2025 that led to the cancellation of at least 26 flights due to last-minute absences. FlySafair responded by proactively adjusting schedules to mitigate impacts, emphasizing safety and minimal inconvenience. Such events highlight vulnerabilities in labor-dependent operations, though the airline's overall track record remains superior to many regional peers, as evidenced by awards like OAG's Punctuality League recognition. Customer metrics present a more mixed picture, with formal ratings praising but user feedback revealing dissatisfaction during disruptions. certifies FlySafair as a 3-Star Low-Cost , noting friendly cabin crew, efficient ground staff, and comfortable seating for the fare class. In 2025, it was named Africa's Best Low-Cost based on a survey evaluating value for money, seat comfort, cleanliness, staff service, and booking ease. Conversely, aggregate user reviews on platforms like Hellopeter (1.6/5 from over 3,400 ratings) and (1.8/5) frequently cite poor handling of delays and cancellations, including inadequate communication and rebooking support. scores average 3.5/5, with praise for affordability but criticism for inconsistent service during irregularities. These discrepancies underscore that while FlySafair excels in routine operations, customer perceptions are strained by episodic failures in .

Safety record

Overall safety achievements

FlySafair has maintained an exemplary safety record since commencing operations in October 2014, with no fatal accidents or hull-loss incidents attributed to its fleet. The operates under a South African issued by the , adhering to stringent regulatory standards that include regular audits and compliance with international norms. A cornerstone of its safety achievements is the full (IOSA) certification, which assesses over 900 parameters across areas such as flight operations, maintenance, and ground handling, representing one of the highest global benchmarks for airline safety management. This accreditation, renewed periodically, underscores FlySafair's commitment to proactive risk mitigation and , distinguishing it among low-cost carriers in . Independent evaluations further affirm its performance, with AirlineRatings.com assigning a perfect 7/7 safety score based on factors including incident history, fleet age, and regulatory oversight. At the 2023 Civil Aviation Industry Awards hosted by the , FlySafair secured second runner-up in the category, alongside wins in other operational excellence areas, reflecting peer and regulatory recognition of its safety protocols.

Incidents and investigations

FlySafair has recorded several serious incidents involving its fleet, primarily related to failures, landing gear issues, and control anomalies, but no fatal accidents or hull losses as of October 2025. These events have prompted investigations by the South African Civil Aviation Authority's Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID), focusing on , handling procedures, and operational factors, with outcomes emphasizing preventive measures like seal inspections and reporting transparency. On August 20, 2019, FlySafair flight FA461, a Boeing 737-400 registered ZS-JRM en route from Cape Town to Durban, suffered rapid decompression during climb through FL300 due to failure of the aft cargo door's lower pressure seal, necessitating an emergency descent to 10,000 feet and diversion to East London. The AIID investigation attributed the seal failure to likely manhandling during cargo or baggage loading, which deformed the seal; the aircraft landed safely with no injuries among 166 passengers and six crew, and the seal was replaced post-incident. A similar pressurization issue occurred on November 22, 2020, involving a Safair-operated 737-400 (parent company of FlySafair) near George, where air leakage from a worn aft cargo compartment door seal caused cabin pressure loss; the AIID noted the seal's deterioration in the left aft lower corner and recommended enhanced emergency procedures and seal maintenance. On December 10, 2019, flight FA369, 737-4S3 ZS-DMI from to Port Elizabeth, experienced water leakage from the left drip tray onto during climb at 28,000 feet, causing arcing and smoke behind the instrument panel; the crew issued a , reversed course, and landed safely at after 32 minutes airborne, with 166 passengers and six crew uninjured. The AIID investigation confirmed water accumulation as the cause, with no . In June 2023, FlySafair flight FA268, a fully loaded departing Durban's , encountered severe control difficulties shortly after takeoff, placing it seconds from crashing according to subsequent reports; passengers remained unaware, and the aircraft recovered safely, but the incident drew for delayed disclosure and non-reporting to AIID initially. The AIID launched an investigation amid FlySafair's accusations of rivals concealing their own violations, highlighting broader concerns over incident transparency in South African . On April 21, 2024, flight FA212, ZS-FGE from to , lost the outer wheel of the left main during takeoff rotation, prompting holding patterns to burn fuel before a safe return and landing at with 184 occupants uninjured and minor aircraft damage repaired. The AIID's preliminary report noted the gear anomaly but ongoing analysis of causes like or ; the incident underscored wheel separation risks seen globally. A ground incident on November 12, 2022, at OR Tambo International Airport involved a A320's wingtip striking the tail of a stationary FlySafair during , causing minor damage but no injuries; authorities investigated procedures, attributing it to ground handling . More recently, on August 2, 2025, a FlySafair -800 near lost cabin pressure, leading to an descent and safe landing, under AIID review for potential seal or system failures consistent with prior patterns. Non-aviation occurrences, such as a mid-flight on September 25, 2025, flight FA417 from and unruly disruptions (e.g., December 26, 2024, from to forcing diversions), were notified to AIID but primarily handled as medical or matters rather than safety probes.

References

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