South African Airways (SAA) has cancelled all its domestic, regional and international flights scheduled for Friday, 15 November and Saturday, 16 November 2019.
The cancellations follow an announcement by the South African Cabin Crew Association (SACCA) and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) that their members will embark on industrial action from Friday morning. This is notwithstanding SAA’s repeated overtures to the unions to acknowledge the severity of the current situation facing the airline.
In a statement, SAA says the rationale for grounding the flights is that “to minimise the impact of disruptions for its customers.”
“We are putting our customers first and regret the inevitable inconvenience that these cancellations may cause our customers. However, by acting proactively SAA can certainly help customers find alternatives,” said Tlali Tlali, SAA Spokesperson.
“Unless alternative arrangements are in place, customers are requested not to go to their departure airports during the disruption as SAA will be unable to provide any assistance. Information on the status of our flights will be regularly updated on our website,” added Tlali Tlali.
Only flights operated by South African Airways will be affected.
The airline will assess the situation on an ongoing basis and Customers will be kept informed of all operational developments on a daily basis.
South African Airways operations affected by industrial action. South African Airways (SAA) has cancelled all domestic, regional and international flights for Friday 15 November and Saturday 16 November (THREAD)
— SAA – South Africa (@flysaa) November 13, 2019