FlySafair has been given 12 months to comply with ownership rules laid out by the Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC), following a recent ruling that found the airline in breach of domestic air licensing regulations. The carrier insists flights will continue without disruption.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, FlySafair acknowledged the council ruled it did not meet the requirement for at least 75% of voting rights to be held by SA citizens. The decision followed a complaint lodged by Lift Airlines regarding FlySafair’s compliance with the Air Services Licensing Act.
In December, the ASLC formally declared FlySafair’s ownership structure out of step with regulations aimed at ensuring local control of airlines. Under the law, domestic carriers must have majority voting rights and active control held by South Africans. FlySafair now faces potential sanctions if it fails to rectify the issue.
“FlySafair flights will continue without disruption following this recent ruling,” the airline said. “While the council has issued sanctions regarding a technical interpretation of nationality provisions, they have given the airline 12 months to comply meaning no immediate threat to operations.”
Chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon emphasised that customers can book and fly “with confidence” as the airline remains fully operational. He added that FlySafair was evaluating all options, including shareholder adjustments or legal recourse, to resolve the compliance matter and maintain uninterrupted service.
The ASLC’s ruling requires monthly progress reports, though it offers no clear roadmap for restructuring. FlySafair says it will do “everything in our power” to comply within the allocated year.
Under South African statutes, airlines must be at least 75% owned and actively controlled by residents. If a carrier fails to meet these criteria, the councils can impose suspensions, cancellations or amended licences. They can also grant exemptions on direction of the transport minister, subject to a formal application.
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