FlySafair hikes prices amid jet fuel squeeze

Leading domestic South African low-cost airline, FlySafair, will implement a temporary fuel surcharge to help it cope with sharply higher global jet fuel prices as a result of the Middle East crisis, the company said on Wednesday.

South Africa is a net importer of refined petroleum products, including jet A1 fuel, and is closely watching developments in the Middle East since the US and Israel bombed Iran.

This triggered attacks in return that have pushed crude oil prices to two-year highs above $100 a barrel and paralysed the vital Strait of Hormuz energy transit route.

“Instead of increasing fares across the board or hiding costs, we have chosen to introduce a clearly labelled, temporary surcharge,” Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, said in a statement.

“This gives customers full visibility into what they are paying for and allows us to remove the surcharge once prices stabilise,” he said.

Jet A1 fuel prices at South African coastal airports have risen approximately 70% in just one week, and with no end in sight, FlySafair took the decision to implement the additional cost to help sustain its business, Gordon said.   

The surcharge takes effect from March 12 and will apply only to flights departing before or on 12 May 2026.

In response to questions about rising costs and possible shortages of jet fuel, South African Airways said late on Tuesday it was closely monitoring the Middle East situation and had sufficient fuel arrangements in place to support its flight schedule.

“SAA is concerned as the increase of fuel prices have impact on several factors, including operations costs, which impacts profitability and the customer,” a spokesperson said.

According to the African Airlines Association, fuel costs for African airlines typically represent 30% to over 40% of total operating expenses, significantly higher than the global average of 20 to 25%.