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Creecy says distraction caused 2022 SAA and Safair aircraft collision

Published

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy told Parliament that an SAA Technical investigation found poor communication and distracted staff during towing. Safair's revised damages claim is about R21 million, down from an initial figure above R60 million.

Creecy gave the answer in a written reply to questions from MK Party MP Adil Nchabeleng. She said the staff involved were distracted by unrelated tasks and did not stay alert while the aircraft was towed. An SAA Airbus A320 hit a stationary Safair Boeing 737-800 at OR Tambo International Airport on 11 November 2022.

Creecy said the tug driver and engineer were formally reprimanded. She said they also had to attend human factors refresher training. SAA Technical (SAAT) is the SAA maintenance unit whose personnel were involved.

Safair first claimed about R7.43 million for repairs and around R53.71 million for lost income. Insurers for SAAT manage the revised claim. One report said Safair filed the claim in the Gauteng High Court in September 2026.

Key facts

Who
Barbara Creecy (Transport Minister); Adil Nchabeleng (MK Party MP who submitted written parliamentary questions); SAA Technical (SAAT) (SAA maintenance unit whose personnel were involved; claim managed by its…); Safair (airline whose Boeing 737-800 was damaged and which filed the damages claim)
What
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, answering written parliamentary questions from MK Party MP Adil Nchabeleng, said an SAA Technical investigation found the personnel involved were distracted by unrelated tasks and communicated inadequately during towing. Safair's revised damages claim is about R21 million, down from an initial figure above R60 million, and is being managed by SAAT's insurers.
When
11 November 2022
Where
OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
Status
Reported

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