FlySafair Flights Continue Amid Shareholding Review

FlySafair (FA) announced on February 4, 2025, that flights will continue as scheduled following a recent ruling by the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC).

While the ASLC has issued sanctions related to a “technical interpretation of nationality provisions,” the airline has been granted 12 months to comply, meaning there is “no immediate threat to operations.”

The ASLC’s decision arises from a complaint filed by Lift Airlines concerning FlySafair’s adherence to the nationality provisions of the Air Services Licensing Act.

In December, the council determined that FlySafair did not meet the requirement that “75% of an airline’s voting rights be held by natural persons who are citizens and residents of South Africa.”

The ASLC’s latest communication grants FlySafair 12 months to align with this interpretation, requiring “monthly progress reports.” However, the council has not provided “specific guidance on what compliance should look like beyond its original ruling.”

“At this stage, we are pleased that there is no threat to operations and that we can turn our full attention to 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.”

FlySafair is currently “evaluating all options based on the ruling which could include shareholder changes or challenging the ruling through legal channels.” 

“We will do everything in our power to ensure compliance in these 12 months,” added Gordon. For now, “the issue remains a regulatory discussion around shareholding rather than an operational concern,” and FlySafair “reassures customers that all flights will proceed as scheduled.”