South African Airways resumes Malawi flights
South African Airways (SAA) has reportedly resumed flights to Malawi and other African countries, a week after cancelling local and international flights due to a strike by its workers over pay issues.
In a statement, SAA Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Saunders, confirms that they resumed flights to destinations such as Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Lusaka (Zambia), Maputo (Mozambique), Windhoek (Namibia) and Harare (Zimbabwe) on Tuesday.
“We are pleased that SAA is now able to increase services and to offer our customers more flights on the African continent, and that all our international flights are back on schedule. It is also important to assure SAA customers that our operations are safe and that the airline will never compromise on this core responsibility,” Saunders said.
The strike affected Malawians. One of the passengers told The Daily Times that he returned home on Monday instead of Saturday, as booked, due to the strike.
Most Malawians fly SAA to do business in South Africa. Malawi imports most of its goods from South Africa followed by China, according to reports.
The airline cancelled domestic and regional flights from last Friday after thousands of workers affiliated to National Union of Mineworkers and South African Cabin Crew Association went on strike.
SAA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali, told Sowetan newspaper in South Africa that customers traveling to destinations in Africa would have their initial flights rebooked and would be contacted.
He advised passengers not to travel to their departure airport unless they had a rebooked itinerary. Travelers on international flights will be able to depart as booked.
“Customers seeking a refund or wishing to rebook their travel on a future SAA service has until November 30 2019 to finalise their arrangements,” Tlali is quoted by the newspaper.
