SAA staggers salary payments for a second month
South African Airways says about 30% to 40% of staff were paid late, mainly pilots, management and the board, while about 70% were paid on the 27th. The airline denies it faces financial collapse.
SAA Group Executive for Corporate Affairs Mphilo Dlamini said the airline links the staggering to cash flow pressure from rising jet fuel costs. He said aviation fuel costs have risen sharply since the war in Iran started. SAA expects to pay October salaries by Saturday.
Dlamini said the airline chose the step to keep flying while still paying staff. He said: "It was purely because we wanted to do what I can call trade-offs to make sure that we keep the airline running".
Reports said Parliament has raised concerns about developments at the national carrier.
Key facts
- Who
- Mphilo Dlamini (SAA Group Executive for Corporate Affairs); South African Airways (airline); Mpilo Dlamini (Group Executive for Corporate Affairs, South African Airways); National Treasury (government department from which SAA will not seek a bailout)
- What
- SAA says it is staggering salary payments for a second consecutive month amid cash flow pressures linked to rising jet fuel costs, and denies the airline faces financial collapse. Its corporate affairs executive says about 30% to 40% of staff were paid later, mainly pilots, management and the board, while about 70% were paid on the 27th.
- When
- 29 October 2026
- Where
- Africa, South Africa
- Status
- Reported