A week into FlySafair’s pilot strike, domestic flight prices in South Africa have surged dramatically, leaving travellers scrambling for affordable options.
The disruption has reduced available capacity on key domestic routes, particularly the Johannesburg-Cape Town route, which has historically been South Africa’s busiest air corridor.
But just how much has the price of flights surged after the FlySafair pilots went on strike?
Seat shortage and sky-high fares amid FlySafair strike
FlySafair pilots, represented by the trade union Solidarity, recently went on strike on 21 July 2025 in protest over salary increases, leave policies and rostering practices.
The airline responded by locking out striking pilots, grounding several flights and reducing daily schedules. This capacity crunch created a ripple effect across all airlines, allowing competitors to hike fares significantly.
So, how much are travellers having to fork out to fly around South Africa? According to data sourced from live searches on Expedia, Kayak, and airline booking platforms on 30 July, here’s what you’re looking at in terms of the price of flights:
| Route | Normal price (pre-strike) | Current price (strike period) |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg – Cape Town | R957 – R1 200 | R1 500 – R10 000 |
| Johannesburg – Durban | R800 – R1 000 | R1 200 – R4 500 |
| Cape Town – Durban | R1 000 – R1 400 | R1 500 – R5 000 |
| Johannesburg – Gqeberha | R1 200 – R1 600 | R2 000 – R6 500 |
These numbers show that the strike has significantly impacted domestic aviation, as FlySafair normally provides nearly 40% of seat capacity on these popular routes.
With these flights reduced, budget-friendly options have dwindled, prompting airlines such as Airlink, CemAir, Lift, and SAA to raise fares, particularly for last-minute bookings.
Meanwhile, negotiations between the airline and the pilots’ union continue.
What’s the most you ever paid for a domestic flight?
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