SAA delays staff pay for a second month, denies bailout need

South African Airways (SAA) has delayed salary payments to some employees for the second consecutive month, according to reports from Live and Let's Fly and One Mile at a Time. The carrier says it prioritised critical operating costs and blames rising fuel prices, but maintains it will not seek another bailout.

What happened with pay

One Mile at a Time reports that SAA is unable to pay 30-40% of its staff on time, with salaries of management, pilots, executives and board members deferred. Live and Let's Fly says the airline acknowledged staggering salaries in September and October. It reports the following payment dates, described as purported: ground staff and cabin crew on 27 October, pilots on 28 October, management and specialists on 30 October, and executives on 31 October. SAA said most employees were due to be paid on the normal payday of 27 October.

The airline's position

Corporate affairs head Mpilo Dlamini (spelled Mphilo in Live and Let's Fly) said SAA did not receive enough capital after emerging from business rescue, which affected liquidity. He said financial institutions were willing to support the airline because it has a "bankable strategy", adding: "We are not going to ask for more money."

Live and Let's Fly notes that the government approved a R1 billion (about $60 million) guarantee in August to support working capital. A guarantee helps SAA obtain financing rather than providing cash directly, but taxpayers remain exposed if it cannot repay. The outlet says the guarantee carries conditions, including a February deadline to find buyers and a requirement to identify assets for sale. SAA has also denied a report that its board considered returning to business rescue.

Questions over the finances

Both outlets point to SAA's annual report for the year to 31 March 2025, which was first flagged by View from the Wing. It shows a group net profit of R155 million, with R30 million at the airline itself. However, the group recorded a R317 million loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, and a R1.169 billion gain on disposals and lease modifications, which One Mile at a Time says partly reflects the sale of Heathrow slots. Live and Let's Fly calculates a R996 million pretax loss without that gain, and says the auditor-general issued a disclaimer of opinion because it could not obtain sufficient evidence.

Live and Let's Fly stresses that SAA continues to operate and that delayed salaries do not necessarily mean a shutdown is imminent.

What this means for travellers

Neither source reports cancellations, schedule changes or industrial action linked to the delayed pay, and flights are continuing. Travellers booked on South African Airways, including those connecting via Johannesburg, face no confirmed disruption so far. It is not yet known whether further payroll delays will occur or affect operations. Passengers may wish to keep an eye on their booking status and consider flexible fares or travel insurance terms for tickets booked on the carrier.

Sources: One Mile at a Time, Live and Let's Fly, One Mile at a Time weekly review.