FlySafair has been referred to the National Consumer Tribunal for its overbooking tactics.
South Africa’s consumer watchdog has dragged low cost airline FlySafair before the National Consumer Tribunal over allegations that it overbooked and oversold flight tickets, leaving paying passengers stranded despite holding confirmed bookings.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed on Wednesday that it has referred Safair Operations (Pty) Ltd, trading as FlySafair, for alleged contraventions of the Consumer Protection Act following an investigation into mounting complaints against the airline.
NCC spokesperson Pheto Ntaba said the probe was launched after growing public outrage, including complaints circulating widely on social media, over claims that passengers were denied boarding because flights had been oversold.
“The matter first drew public attention after a consumer reportedly purchased a FlySafair ticket and, upon arrival to check in, was informed that no seat was available because the flight had been overbooked,” Ntaba said.
