How SAA is responding to Omicron travel ban disruptions

South African Airways (SAA) is currently facing challenges due to the global travel bans imposed in response to the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Simon Newton Smith, Interim Chief Commercial Officer at South African Airways, spoke with CNBC Africa's Godfrey Mutizwa to discuss the impact of these travel restrictions on the national carrier. Smith acknowledged the difficulties faced by SAA customers affected by the Mauritius travel ban, expressing gratitude for their understanding during this challenging time. Despite the disruptions, Smith reassured that SAA is working diligently to ensure the safe return of affected passengers. While the situation remains fluid, SAA remains focused on regional African and domestic markets, which have shielded the airline from severe impacts compared to airlines heavily reliant on international routes. Smith remains optimistic that unity among African countries will help navigate these challenges and ensure the resilience of SAA. Amid the uncertainty, SAA continues to monitor booking trends closely to adapt to evolving customer sentiment. Despite the current hurdles, SAA's load factors remain solid, particularly on routes like Cape Town, where demand has shown resilience. The airline's strategic capacity alignment has been key to sustaining efficient operations and meeting demand across its network.