Mbalula 'never expressed support' for FlySafair’s middle seat option

The local airline is offering the option to the passengers on both sides, to block out the middle seat.

Department of Transport spokesperson, Ayanda Allie Paine, says Mbalula regards this seat blocking policy is a marketing ploy that has been practised by some passengers even before Covid-19.

"It is the passenger’s prerogative to book an empty seat should they wish to do so. However, it is not government regulation and therefore the minister does not and cannot support it," says Allie Paine.

She has added that Mbalula is confident that commercial planes need not have any social distancing measures in place to prevent the further spread of coronavirus.

“Government regulations permit aircraft to carry 100% of their licensed capacity, owing to the fact that all commercial aircraft are fitted with the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters,” adds Allie Paine.

Earlier this week, FlySafair said they are giving the option to other passengers, who may want the seat to remain open for various reasons, including more legroom.