It’s Safe to Book on FlySafair

FlySafair assures passengers that all flights will continue as scheduled after the Air Services Licensing Council issues a sanction.

It’s Safe to Book on FlySafair. Image: Supplied

FlySafair has confirmed that its operations will continue without disruption despite a ruling by the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) that challenges the airline’s compliance with nationality provisions under South African aviation laws. While the council’s decision introduces regulatory uncertainty, passengers can book and fly as usual as the airline works through the issue over the next year.

What’s the Dispute About?

The ASLC’s ruling stems from a complaint filed by competitor Lift Airlines, questioning whether FlySafair meets the requirement that 75% of voting rights in a domestic airline must be controlled by South African residents.

While FlySafair’s voting rights are held in a South African-controlled trust, the ASLC has taken a stricter stance, arguing that only natural persons—not trusts or companies—qualify as residents under the law.

This narrow interpretation is a departure from how compliance has historically been determined and could affect multiple airlines across the industry, including those with similar ownership structures.

No Immediate Threat to Operations

Despite the ASLC’s ruling, FlySafair has been given 12 months to align with the council’s interpretation, allowing the airline to continue operating without interruption. However, the council has not provided clear instructions on what compliance should look like, adding a layer of uncertainty.

“At this stage, we are pleased that there is no threat to our ability to operate and that we can keep our focus on our customers,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “Customers can continue booking and flying with confidence, knowing that FlySafair remains fully operational while we address this matter.”

What Happens Next?

FlySafair is assessing its options, which could include:

Adjusting its ownership structure to align with the ASLC’s interpretation.
Challenging the ruling through legal channels.

With no immediate operational impact, FlySafair reassures travellers that it remains focused on delivering affordable, reliable flights while engaging with regulators to resolve the issue.