South African low-cost airline FlySafair has recently moved to legally contest a ruling by the International Air Services Council (IASC), arguing that the decision could disrupt its international services.
Image: Facebook / FlySafair
The airline’s challenge focuses on an IASC finding that questions FlySafair’s ownership structure due to a significant investment by ASL Aviation Holdings, an Ireland-based company with a 74.86% stake in FlySafair’s parent organization. This shareholding exceeds South Africa’s regulatory limits on foreign ownership, which are designed to ensure local control over airlines operating within the country.
In response to the IASC’s decision, FlySafair emphasised its proactive approach to compliance and commitment to providing uninterrupted service to its international clientele. The company clarified that the ruling only affects its international operations and assured customers that domestic flights would continue as usual. FlySafair currently serves destinations in Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia, and is actively working with authorities to resolve the issue, according to BusinessTech.
Competitors in the South African airline market, including Airlink, have expressed support for regulatory enforcement on the matter, citing concerns over market equity. FlySafair countered that limiting its international operations would inconvenience travelers and potentially raise fares during the peak travel season. The airline is currently pursuing an interim interdict to maintain its service continuity while it seeks a resolution through dialogue with the IASC.
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