CemAir, Airlink Refute FlySafair’s Overbooking Claims

CemAir issued an official statement on January 14, 2025, stating that they “do not engage in and never have engaged in the practice of overbooking.”

“Flights are sold only to the seating capacity of the aircraft,” the statement reads, “and it is our view that overselling flights amounts to unethical business practice.”

CemAir’s response comes following FlySafair’s recent confirmation that passenger overbooking is part of its standard business model, which FlySafair claims is a “globally-accepted” practice.

FlySafair further asserted that “all local airlines indulge in this practice,” a claim that CemAir describes as a “baseless fabrication.”

CemAir also addressed FlySafair’s justification that “overbooking assists in mitigating the financial impact of no-show passengers.”

CemAir argues that this justification can only be valid if the airline refunds the no-show ticket fare, a practice that FlySafair does not reportedly follow.

“These contentions will no doubt be tested in the National Consumer Commission inquiry,” CemAir states, adding that the initiation of this inquiry has reflected poorly on the industry.

Shaniel Singh, CemAir’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised their commitment to straightforward booking policies and hassle-free travel.

“We value the confidence our passengers place in us every time they choose to fly with CemAir,” Singh said. “We will cooperate fully with any investigation by the NCC.”

In a brief statement, Airlink also denied participating in overbooking practices. “We do not overbook our flights,” Airlink announced, countering FlySafair’s public claims that all South African airlines partake in this practice.