Cape Town – The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has alerted passengers about a global systems issue affecting FlySafair and LIFT airlines, leading to check-in delays.
The company said in a sttement on Sunday that technicians are working to resolve the problem.
“Technicians from the airlines and their service providers are actively working to resolve the matter. However, there is currently no estimated time for full resolution
“As a result, passengers travelling with FlySafair and LIFT airlines are experiencing longer-than-usual check-in processing times and long queues at check-in counters,” Acsa said.
Notice: Check-in system issues for @FlySafair and @LiftAirlineSA remain unresolved, causing long queues and delays.
Passengers are advised to arrive 3 hours before regional flights and 2 hours before domestic flights while technicians work on restoring functionality. pic.twitter.com/uM5vR7GZOR— Airports Company SA (@Airports_ZA) March 16, 2025
The company advised passengers to arrive earlier — three hours for regional and two hours for domestic flights.
LIFT Airlines reported minor delays due to baggage tag and boarding pass printing issues but stated that most counters are now operational.
FlySafair, South Africa’s largest airline, has faced multiple challenges in recent months.
In December 2024, the Domestic Air Services Council found the airline non-compliant with local ownership laws, as 75% of its voting rights are held by trusts and companies rather than individuals, according Daily Investor.
Following a complaint by LIFT’s owner, Global Airways Operations, FlySafair was given a year to comply or risk losing its licence, the report said.
Additionally, the airline faced backlash in January for overbooking flights, leaving confirmed ticket holders stranded at airports.
The National Consumer Council said at the time that it had intitiated an investigation against FlySafair, acknowledging concerns raised in the media.
The NCC has initiated an investigation against FlySafair, following allegations of the airline’s overbooking and/or overselling practices. @the_dtic @yamkela_fanisi pic.twitter.com/1sVIpKnZz8
— The National Consumer Commission (NCC) (@TheNCC_RSA) January 8, 2025
With a 60% share of the domestic market, any disruption to FlySafair’s operations could significantly impact travellers.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
