SAA cancels more flights to save money – here are the routes affected

As part of its business rescue process, South African Airways (SAA) will cancel and consolidate selected scheduled flights in an effort to ensure flight efficiency.

In a statement on Thursday (30 January), the airline said that this will include selected scheduled flights where there is ‘low demand based on current forward bookings for the month of February’.

“We are committed to accommodating all affected customers on alternative flights, operated by the airline and its Star Alliance partners.  Any inconvenience or delays are intended to be minimal,” said chief commercial officer Philip Saunders.

SAA said that travel agents, alliance partners and relevant stakeholders have been notified of these operational changes.

You can find a full list of the cancellations here.

Alternatively, you can find the detailed list of cancelled flights below (correct as of 14h55 on 30 January).

Impacted flights page 1

Impacted flights page 2

Impacted flights page 3 

On Monday, SAA’s business rescue practitioners said they have been successful in obtaining the balance of the post-commencement funding (PCF) required to meet the short term liquidity requirements of the airline.

“Discussions held with financial institutions have been fruitful with the Development Bank of Southern Africa offering to provide the next tranche of PCF, for a total amount of R3.5 billion, with an immediate draw-down of R2 billion,” the practitioners said.

“Furthermore, funding for the restructuring phase after the plan is adopted is being considered by potential funders.”

The business rescue practitioners added that the restructuring of SAA will provide an opportunity to develop a sustainable, competitive and efficient airline with a strategic equity partner remaining the objective of government.

They added that this exercise and will result in the preservation of jobs wherever possible.

“SAA is a key strategic asset which needs to be positioned to provide reliable connectivity to markets within South Africa, the African continent as well as servicing selected international routes.

Read: SAA gets a R3.5 billion lifeline