SAA cancels 38 domestic and international flights to ‘save cash’

SAA has confirmed its cancellation of 38 domestic and international flights between OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town, as well as between Johannesburg and Durban’s King Shaka airports.

In a statement, the airline said: “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 airline said it would be reviewing further schedule amendments over the coming days and would communicate any operational changes to its customers.

Those who have already booked the cancelled flights will be re-accommodated on alternative services including Mango.

Below is a list of all the cancelled flights:

The following domestic flights operated by SAA have been cancelled:

Johannesburg (JNB) – Cape Town (CPT)

SA303                  Depart 05:30      Arrive 07:35       Dates: 20, 21 & 24 January

SA307                  Depart 07:00      Arrive 09:05       Dates: 21 January

Cape Town (CPT) – Johannesburg (JNB)

SA316                  Depart 08:20      Arrive 10:15       Dates: 20, 21 & 24 January

SA322                  Depart 09:50      Arrive 11:45       Dates: 21 January

Johannesburg (JNB) – Durban (DUR)

SA527                  Depart 06:30      Arrive 07:35       Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January

SA543                  Depart 09:55      Arrive 11:00       Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January

SA571                  Depart 16:55      Arrive 18:00       Dates: 20 & 21 January

Durban (DUR) – Johannesburg (JNB)

SA534                  Depart 08:05      Arrive 09:10       Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January

SA550                  Depart 11:30      Arrive 12:35       Dates: 20, 21, 22 & 23 January

SA578                  Depart 18:40      Arrive 19:45       Dates: 20 & 21 January

The airline has also cancelled selected services between Johannesburg (JNB) and Munich (MUC) and 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,” it said.

The following international flights have been cancelled:

Johannesburg (JNB) – Munich (MUC)

SA264                  Depart 21:15      Arrive 07:00       Dates: 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 January

Munich (MUC) – Johannesburg (JNB)

SA265                  Depart 20:30      Arrive 08:20       Dates: 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 January

Flight Centre issued a travel advisory on “a number of” South African Airways’ domestic and international flights being cancelled on Tuesday morning.

“We are in the process of contacting our customers to advise and assist. Should you be affected and wish to discuss your options, please contact your travel expert,” it said in a statement.

While there were earlier reports of 19 domestic and international flights been cancelled by SAA on Tuesday morning, the number released by the airline was 38. The airline is in business rescue and needs another R2 billion bailout for February.

The airline had announced on Monday that all flights would continue as normal.

It said in a statement: “SAA wishes to assure its customers and stakeholders that flights to all its destinations continue as normal.

The airline is aware of media reports suggesting that it will cease operations. SAA remains committed to transparency communicating with all stakeholders, including “customers about any material or significant operational changes.

“Where there may be flight schedule amendments, such operational changes will be managed and communicated in accordance with the industry norms and practices.”

(Compiled by Vhahangwele Nemakonde)

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.