Zuko Komisa
- The NCC has referred FlySafair to the National Consumer Tribunal over systemic flight overbooking and deceptive consumer practices.
- Regulators are seeking a maximum fine of 10% of the airline’s annual revenue and a total ban on the practice of overselling seats.
- FlySafair argues that overbooking keeps fares affordable, offering stranded passengers R1,000 compensation alongside a refund or rebooking.
FlySafair is to face charges at the National Consumer Tribunal following allegations of overbooking and overselling flights.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed it has referred the airline’s parent company, Safair Operations, for multiple alleged breaches of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
The watchdog launched an investigation last year following a public outcry on social media regarding passengers being left behind.
The NCC’s probe concluded that the budget airline’s booking practices violated several sections of the CPA, including misleading representations, unconscionable conduct, and failing to provide services on agreed terms.
Acting NCC Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu stated that businesses are legally prohibited from accepting consumer funds for services they cannot realistically provide.
In response, the commission has asked the tribunal to declare the overbooking practice illegal and hit FlySafair with an administrative fine equal to 10% of its annual turnover.
FlySafair previously defended the industry practice of selling seats twice, arguing it helps keep ticket prices low.
The airline noted that it compensates displaced passengers with R1,000 alongside a full refund or a seat on the next available flight, though the regulator maintains the practice fundamentally breaches consumer rights.
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