SAA paid some staff late again. What it means if you've booked a flight
SAA paid pilots, managers and its board late for a second month, blaming jet fuel costs. The airline says it is still flying. Here's who was affected and what it means for passengers.
South African Airways (SAA) has paid part of its staff late for the second month in a row, but says its planes are flying and it is open for business. About 70% of employees got their October salaries on time on 27 October, while pilots, management and the board are being paid a few days later (EWN, SABC News).
Who at SAA was paid late?
SAA says the delay hit 30% to 40% of its staff, and only three groups (SABC News).
| Staff group | When October pay lands |
|---|---|
| Most staff (about 70%) | On time, 27 October |
| Pilots | A day or two later |
| Management | A day or two later |
| Board and executives | A day or two later |
Sources: EWN, SABC News. SABC reports that affected workers should have their October salaries by Saturday, 31 October.
This is the second month running. SAA also staggered salaries in September (EWN).
Why is SAA paying salaries late?
SAA's Group Executive for Corporate Affairs, Mphilo Dlamini, blames jet fuel, which has climbed sharply since the war involving Iran began. He also says running an airline in Africa costs about 17% more than the global average (EWN, SABC News).
Dlamini calls the late pay a "trade-off" agreed with unions, so that money goes first to things that keep aircraft flying, like fuel. He told EWN it was "not necessarily because we didn't have money" (EWN).
He has also admitted the airline did not get enough capital after it left business rescue, which hurt its cash flow (EWN).
Not everyone buys the fuel explanation. Transport economist Joachim Vermoeten told The Money Show that SAA expanded too fast after business rescue and pointed to decisions by top management (EWN). EWN's interviewer also pointed out that South Africa's other big domestic airlines have not had to stagger salaries.
Is your SAA flight or booking at risk?
SAA says no. It insists it is open for business and has dismissed fears of a financial collapse (SABC News). None of its statements this week mention cancelled flights.
There is some backing behind unflown tickets. Treasury's Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement says SAA has about R223 million in government guarantees linked to unflown-ticket liabilities and letters of credit (Moneyweb).
If you're flying soon, check your booking and flight status directly on SAA's official website rather than relying on forwarded social media messages.
Is government bailing SAA out again?
Not with cash, for now. SAA got a R1 billion government guarantee in August to help with working capital. Treasury and SAA both say it is a guarantee, not a cash injection, which lets SAA borrow from lenders (Moneyweb, EWN).
Dlamini says SAA will not ask Treasury for more money and that banks are interested in lending to it (EWN). Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse, however, could not rule out future bailouts. He said SAA has already received around R50 billion in bailouts over the years, and that a strategic equity partner is being sought to stop that risk for good (Moneyweb).
FAQ
Why did SAA pay salaries late in October 2026?
SAA says high jet fuel costs squeezed its cash flow, so it paid about 70% of staff on time on 27 October and paid pilots, management and the board a few days later.
Is SAA still flying?
Yes. SAA says it is open for business and has dismissed fears of a financial collapse. Check your flight status on flysaa.com.
Are unflown SAA tickets protected?
Treasury's mid-term budget says SAA has about R223 million in government guarantees linked to unflown-ticket liabilities and letters of credit.
Did government give SAA a bailout?
SAA received a R1 billion government guarantee in August 2026. Treasury and SAA say it is a guarantee to help it borrow, not a cash injection.