Latest news with #FlySafair
TimesLIVE
19-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
Disruptive passenger could face R100,000 fine and FlySafair ban after emergency diversion
FlySafair says the individual who was allegedly disruptive and whose behaviour led to an emergency landing has been added to its No-Fly List and may be liable for a fine of up to R100,000. 'The individual has been placed on FlySafair's No-Fly List, and in accordance with the airline's terms and conditions will be issued an invoice covering the full costs of the diversion, including fuel and landing fees, which could total up to R100,000,' the airline said. This comes after the passenger allegedly became disruptive on a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, resulting in swift intervention by the flight crew, with assistance from some passengers, and an unscheduled landing in Bloemfontein on May 10. FlySafair confirmed flight FA600 was diverted to Bram Fischer International Airport due to 'the disruptive behaviour of a passenger on board'. FlySafair said the diversion was made in the interest of safety after the passenger's behaviour escalated. 'After aggressive actions from the individual, the captain made the decision to divert the aircraft in the interest of the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew. The passenger was met by police on landing in Bloemfontein,' said FlySafair. The airline thanked passengers who helped de-escalate the situation and reiterated its firm stance on passenger safety. Passenger Kundai Murapa, who recorded the incident and shared a viral video online, described the ordeal as 'chaotic and surreal'. 'The dude was being disorderly on a flight and threatening passengers because he was triggered by not getting the right change for a bottle of water he bought. From there it pivoted to him screaming about needing to be in Durban on a Cape Town flight,' said Murapa. He praised the quick action of passengers with security backgrounds. 'Fortunately we had two passengers who had a background in security services and they subdued the dude. The captain decided to divert to Bloemfontein and get the guy removed from the flight,' he said. 'One of the best flights of my life. Super entertaining but it was inconvenient.' Police spokesperson Sgt Mahlomola Kareli confirmed officers were called to the scene and the individual was removed on landing. 'Police members stationed at the airport were summoned to assist in removing the allegedly unruly passenger, who was housed at the airport police station,' said Kareli. 'No complaint was made and no case opened. The passenger was released.'
The South African
17-05-2025
- The South African
Plane passengers behaving badly: What causes people to lose it?
Air travel brings out the best in aviation tech – and sometimes the worst in people. In recent years, incidents involving disruptive passengers have surged in South Africa. From aggressive behaviour to shouting matches over seat recline and emergency landings, the skies are getting more chaotic. But what exactly is driving this in-flight bad behaviour? Many of us have already seen the most recent incident involving a passenger on a FlySafair flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. The unruly passenger aboard the flight last weekend has now been placed on the airline's No-Fly List – and slapped with a hefty R100 000 fine. While it isn't the first incident, and it probably won't be the last, many may be wondering what even causes a person to lose it mid-flight. Well, some of the reasons might include: Many meltdowns on a plane involve alcohol. Cabin pressure at cruising altitude enhances the effects of booze, making passengers feel drunker faster. Couple that with anxiety, boredom, or poor judgement, and you've got a volatile mix. Some drink to calm nerves, others to kill time – but too often it ends with slurred shouting and crew intervention. Some passengers think the rules don't apply to them. They refuse to wear masks (when required), won't stay seated, or argue about carry-on space like it's a constitutional right. This sense of entitlement – fueled by social media bravado and 'I paid for this seat' logic – can escalate quickly, especially when others push back. Not every incident is about bad manners. Sometimes it's about mental health. Flying can trigger panic attacks, claustrophobia, or breakdowns, especially for those already struggling. Unfortunately, the cabin crew isn't trained to handle psychiatric emergencies, and fellow passengers aren't always understanding. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
16-05-2025
- The South African
FlySafair invoice unruly passenger for R100 000, added to No-Fly List
South African airline FlySafair has confirmed that the unruly passenger aboard one of its flights last weekend has been placed on its No-Fly List – and slapped with a hefty fine. FlySafair Flight FA600 from Johannesburg to Cape Town was diverted to Bloemfontein following the behaviour of a passenger mid-flight. 'Following aggressive actions from the individual, the captain made the decision to divert the aircraft in the interest of the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew,' FlySafair said in a statement. 'The passenger was met by the South African Police Service (SAPS) upon landing in Bloemfontein.' The airline also confirmed that the disruptive individual has subsequently been banned from flying with FlySafair and, as per its terms and conditions, will be held liable for the flight's diversion. 'The individual has been placed on FlySafair's No-Fly List and, in accordance with the airline's Terms and Conditions, will be issued an invoice covering the full costs of the diversion – including fuel and landing fees – which could total up to R100 000,' FlySafair added. In the statement, FlySafair thanked the passengers on board the flight who assisted the crew in de-escalating the situation and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safety. Video footage soon surfaced capturing the incident. The video shows the passenger being restrained by two fellow passengers who reportedly have a background in security services. Warning: Contains swearing @kundaimurapa Fly Safair in-flight drama. South Africa is a comedy😅🤌🏾 ♬ original sound – kundaimurapa According to accounts, the passenger became agitated over receiving incorrect change for a bottle of water, leading to disorderly behaviour and threats toward fellow passengers. He also insisted he needed to be in Durban – despite being on a flight to Cape Town. Two passengers with backgrounds in security services intervened, restraining the individual with cable ties. The incident concluded with applause from relieved passengers as the man was escorted off the plane. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- IOL News
FlySafair fines and bans passenger after in-flight altercation forces emergency landing
In a video of the incident, the man can be seen standing in the aisle and another passenger subdues him. Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi/Independent Newspapers A man has been banned from flying with FlySafair and will be liable for flight diversion costs after he became violent aboard a recent flight. According to FlySafair's Kirby Gordon, the man was onboard Flight FA600 from Johannesburg to Cape Town. "The flight was diverted to Bloemfontein due to the disruptive behaviour on board," Gordon, FlySafair's Chief Marketing Officer, explained. In a video of the incident, the man can be seen standing in the aisle and another passenger subdues him. After a few minutes, the passenger takes the man to his seat and a third person is seen putting cable ties on his hands. When the aircraft lands, the man can be heard shouting "police, police". He is then escorted off the flight. A TikToker who recorded the incident claimed that the man threatened passengers. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS SWEARING AT THE END "Following aggressive actions from the individual, the Captain made the decision to divert the aircraft in the interest of the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew. The passenger was met by the South African Police Service upon landing in Bloemfontein," Gordon explained. He said the man has been added to FlySafair's No-Fly list. "In accordance with the airline's Terms and Conditions, will be issued an invoice covering the full costs of the diversion — including fuel and landing fees — which could total up to R100,000," Gordon said. He further thanked the passengers on board who assisted the crew in de-escalating the situation.
The South African
13-05-2025
- The South African
Viral video captures unruly FlySafair passenger escorted off flight
A FlySafair flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town this weekend made an unscheduled stop in Bloemfontein to offload an unruly passenger. Image: Bob Adams / flickr Video footage has surfaced capturing an incident aboard a FlySafair flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town over the weekend. The video shows a male passenger being restrained after causing a disturbance during the flight. Warning: Contains swearing According to accounts, the passenger became agitated over receiving incorrect change for a bottle of water, leading to disorderly behaviour and threats toward fellow passengers. He also insisted he needed to be in Durban, despite being on a flight to Cape Town. Two passengers with backgrounds in security services intervened, restraining the individual with cable ties. The pilot of FlySafair Flight FA600 decided to divert the plane to Bloemfontein, where local authorities boarded the aircraft and removed the disruptive passenger. The incident concluded with applause from relieved passengers as the man was escorted off the plane. Have you ever been on a flight that has been diverted to offload a passenger? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
