About FA
FA — FlySafair — is a South African low-cost carrier that does exactly what it says on the tin: keeps fares lean and keeps it domestic. The network is almost entirely within South Africa, with 45 of its 50 routes staying inside the country. JNB is the main hub with 11 routes radiating out, and CPT picks up another 10. There are a handful of international hops — Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mauritius, Tanzania — but this is fundamentally a carrier built for moving South Africans around South Africa, not for intercontinental ambitions.
Why fly FA?
If you're doing a South Africa road trip but flying one-way legs, Flysafair is probably your best option on price. The domestic coverage is solid — JNB, CPT, DUR, and even Lanseria (HLA), which is genuinely useful if you're staying on the north side of Johannesburg and want to skip the OR Tambo chaos. The one long-haul outlier, the MRU-JNB route at just over 3,000 km, makes it a real option for Mauritius connections that don't require routing through a legacy carrier. Low-cost doesn't mean miserable here — the airline has a decent on-time reputation by regional standards. If price is your filter and you're flying point-to-point within southern Africa, this carrier earns its spot on the shortlist.
FA hub airports
- JNB Johannesburg — 11 FA routes from South Africa
- CPT Cape Town — 10 FA routes from South Africa
- DUR Durban — 5 FA routes from South Africa
- HLA Lanseria — 4 FA routes from South Africa
- PLZ Port Elizabeth — 4 FA routes from South Africa
Top destination countries on FA
- South Africa — 45 FA routes
- Zimbabwe — 2 FA routes
- Namibia — 1 FA routes
- Mauritius — 1 FA routes
- United Republic of Tanzania — 1 FA routes
Tips for booking FA
Book direct and check baggage allowances carefully before you assume anything is included — low-cost carriers in this region often unbundle carry-on weight and checked bags differently than you'd expect. HLA is worth knowing about if you're not tied to OR Tambo; it's smaller, faster to get through, and often cheaper to reach from the northern suburbs. The international routes are limited, so if your itinerary goes beyond the five destination countries in the network, you'll need a separate carrier for onward legs. Flexibility on travel dates usually pays off — fares can swing noticeably midweek versus weekends on busy routes like JNB-CPT.
Frequently asked questions about FA
Where does FA fly?
FA operates 50 routes primarily serving Southern Africa, with key destinations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The airline focuses on connecting major cities and regional hubs across this region.
What is FA's main hub?
FA's primary hub is Johannesburg (JNB), which serves as the central connection point for most of the airline's network across Southern Africa.
Is FA a legacy carrier, low-cost airline, or regional carrier?
FA operates as a regional carrier, focusing on serving Southern African routes with a network of 50 destinations. Its hub-and-spoke model from Johannesburg supports regional connectivity rather than long-haul international service.
When should I book FA flights and what fare classes are available?
For the best fares on FA, book in advance when possible, particularly for peak travel periods. FA typically offers multiple fare classes with varying levels of flexibility and inclusions—check the airline's website for current booking options and restrictions.
What should I know about baggage and check-in?
Baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by fare class and route on FA; review your ticket details or the airline's website for specific limits. Online check-in is typically available to your airport arrival process.