FlySafair launches South Africa’s first free AI travel agent

Lindi, an AI-powered system developed by global tech business Stubber, can already book flights for a single passenger, change a name or seat, and offer specific trip details.

FlySafair, a low-cost airline based in South Africa, has introduced Lindi, an AI interface developed to support customer service. The launch marks the first use of a free AI travel assistant by an airline in the country.

Currently, Lindi can book flights for one passenger, modify names or seat selections, and share travel-related information. Available 24/7 via WhatsApp, the assistant aims to simplify customer interactions and improve response times.

“Our goal has always been to offer accessible and reliable air travel,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “With Lindi, we are able to provide each customer with an automated assistant capable of handling requests at scale. This represents an opportunity to expand the reach of our support services through technology.”

According to Gordon, initial customer responses have been positive. Many users are unaware they are interacting with AI, which he attributes to the assistant’s conversational design. “The interactions are intuitive, and users are able to complete tasks quickly,” he adds.

Lindi was developed by Stubber, a South African-founded technology company with global operations.

“We are pleased to work with FlySafair in applying AI to improve the travel experience,” says Guy Duncan, Managing Director at Stubber. “Lindi shows how AI can support customer service and automate key business functions.”

The launch follows a broader trend of AI integration across industries. In sectors such as healthcare, finance, and retail, AI assistants are being used to streamline services and support operations.

While other airlines have introduced assistants for general information, Lindi is the first in South Africa designed to manage bookings. Gordon explains that the timing reflects a shift in how customers interact with digital platforms. “As AI becomes more common in daily life, we saw an opportunity to apply it in a way that directly benefits travelers. Lindi is designed to make the booking process more efficient and intuitive.”