FlySafair dragged to Tribunal over ‘systemic’ overbooking

Budget airline, FlySafair, is under fire after the National Consumer Commission (NCC) announced that it has referred the airline to the National Consumer Tribunal over allegations of overbooking flights and overselling tickets.

The Commission says the move follows an investigation which allegedly found that the airline contravened provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.

NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba, says the Commission wants FlySafair’s conduct to be declared prohibited and is seeking a penalty of up to 10% of the airline’s annual turnover.

“The NCC’s investigation revealed that FlySafair’s conduct contravened sections… including overselling of services, unfair and unreasonable contract terms, inadequate disclosure of material risks, misleading representations, unconscionable conduct, failure to provide services on agreed terms, and failure to communicate information in plain language,” added Ntaba.

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

The investigation, launched in 2025, came after widespread complaints that gained traction on social media in 2024, with frustrated  passengers claiming they had paid for flights, checked in on time, and were still denied boarding because flights has been oversold.

The probe focused on bookings made between November and December 2024, as well as in January 2025.

According to the NCC, the probe uncovered that an average of 5,000 passengers were affected during the period under review.

In a statement posted on social media last year, FlySafair admitted to overbooking flights, arguing that the practice helps keep ticket prices affordable.

The revelation has sparked outrage online, particularly among many travellers who rely on low-cost airlines for work, holidays and family trips.

The case will now proceed to the National Consumer Tribunal, where FlySafair could face significant financial penalties if found guilty.

On what planet do you think it’s ok to double sell one seat and profit twice and leave me sitting around the airport for hours. It’s unethical and disgusting!

— Nicole (@ninxhan) September 24, 2024

It’s about damn time. There’s nothing low cost about the current @FlySafair model. https://t.co/p8vEv3ZCsJ

— Mayor Sass (@JayteeSass) May 21, 2026

@FlySafair did it to me recently now they won’t engage with my emails. I told them I won’t let it rest! 🤞🏾https://t.co/aE7WqOVhpp pic.twitter.com/HTF3aHAmg3

— Lungi Dolamo (@LungiDolamo) May 21, 2026

FlySafair I knew your time would come

— Spura✨ (@_MbaliiiSithole) May 21, 2026

FlySafair is a scam, they sell tickets for seats that have already been taken then leave us behind. The airline has admitted that overbooking is their business model. NCC has referred them to the National Consumer Tribunal. I will never use this airline, they did me dirty 🚮

— P_Ndzotoyi (@PhathekaPat) May 21, 2026