Flight Centre has issued a travel advisory stating that SAA has cancelled a number of international and local flights. The travel agency is urging those affected to contact travel experts for advice.
Flight Centre issued a statement saying: ‘Flight Centre Travel Group notes South African Airways’ cancellation of certain domestic and international flights on 21 January 2020. Our customers remain our top priority and we have been working through the night to advise, assist and re-accommodate any affected passengers where possible. The Group is currently monitoring the situation, while awaiting official confirmation from SAA with regards to its flight situation. We urge affected customers to contact their Flight Centre Travel Expert for details and assistance. We will continue to advise our customers on the situation as more details arise.’
Flight Centre Travel Group stopped selling South African Airways flights in November 2019 due to doubts concerning the long-term viability of the airline.
On Monday, 20 January, SAA released a statement assuring customers and stakeholders that flights will continue as normal. ‘The airline is aware of media reports suggesting that it will cease operations. SAA is always committed to transparently communicate with all stakeholders, including customers, about any material or significant operational changes that may have an impact on flight schedules. Where there may be flight schedule amendments, such operational changes will be managed and communicated in accordance with the industry norms and practices,’ said the statement.
SAA has said in a statement: ‘South African Airways (SAA) is in the process of consolidating selected domestic flights between the airline’s main hub, Oliver Tambo International Airport Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT), as well as between Johannesburg (JNB) and Durban’s King Shaka (DUR) airports.
‘SAA is working closely with its sister airline, Mango, to re-accommodate passengers on alternative services operated by both airlines to minimise disruption, and thereby ensure passengers reach their destination as quickly as possible.’
SAA has confirmed the following flight cancellations:
The following domestic flights operated by SAA have been cancelled:
Johannesburg (JNB) – Cape Town (CPT)
SA303 Depart 0530 Arrive 0735 Dates: 20, 21 & 24 January
SA307 Depart 0700 Arrive 0905 Dates: 21 January
Cape Town (CPT) – Johannesburg (JNB)
SA316 Depart 0820 Arrive 1015 Dates: 20, 21 & 24 January
SA322 Depart 0950 Arrive 1145 Dates: 21 January
Johannesburg (JNB) – Durban (DUR)
SA527 Depart 0630 Arrive 0735 Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January
SA543 Depart 0955 Arrive 1100 Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January
SA571 Depart 1655 Arrive 1800 Dates: 20 & 21 January
Durban (DUR) – Johannesburg (JNB)
SA534 Depart 0805 Arrive 0910 Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January
SA550 Depart 1130 Arrive 1235 Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January
SA578 Depart 1840 Arrive 1945 Dates: 20 & 21 January
On the international network, SAA is cancelling selected services between Johannesburg (JNB) and Munich (MUC). SAA will re-accommodate passengers on its services between Johannesburg (JNB) and Frankfurt (FRA) as well as London Heathrow (LHR). Some passengers travelling to Munich, and others travelling via Munich to other destinations, will be re-accommodated for some of their journey on partner airlines in the Star Alliance to minimise delays.
The following international flights have been cancelled:
Johannesburg (JNB) – Munich (MUC)
SA264 Depart 2115 Arrive 0700 Dates: 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 January
Munich (MUC) – Johannesburg (JNB)
SA265 Depart 2030 Arrive 0820 Dates: 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 January
‘These decisions are in line with SAA’s usual policy of reviewing flights and consolidating services with low demand. Furthermore, during the current process of Business Rescue, these cancellations represent a responsible strategy to conserve cash and optimise the airline’s position ahead of any further capital investment.
‘The consolidation on the Cape Town route is also necessary as SAA has been operating training flights for pilots on the new state-of-the-art Airbus 350-900 aircraft on this route, before transferring the new planes to international routes.
‘The introduction of these larger aircraft has resulted in temporary surplus capacity on the route.
‘SAA will be reviewing further possible flight schedule amendments over the coming days. Any operational changes will be communicated to our travel trade partners and customers at the earliest opportunity and passengers will be re-accommodated on other airlines wherever possible.’
Image: Supplied/ Getaway Gallery
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