SAA customers frustrated as pilots strike

JOHANNESBURG - South African Airways (SAA) customers have expressed frustration with the airline, accusing it of failing to prepare adequately for disruptions caused by the ongoing pilots' strike.

Some passengers say their travel plans have been ruined with SAA offering no clarity on a way forward.

The South African Airways Pilots’ Association (SAAPA) is staging a picket outside the company’s offices on Thursday amid a wage dispute.

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One disgruntled passenger says her flight was cancelled on Thursday with no assurance she will travel using SAA anytime soon.

“Imagine Thursday, Friday only Saturday. Is that a guarantee for those that are taking the Saturday? It’s not, there's no guarantee...”

SAAPA spokesperson Sbusiso Nxumalo has expressed empathy for passengers.

“We do feel the need to express our sincere apologise for inconveniencing our passengers, and as we stand here we know that SAA is able to operate a safe and reliable airline and we hope that this industrial action will be put on hold.”