FlySafair announces a temporary fare increase due to rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Prepare for adjustments on flights departing by 12 May 2026
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South African travellers planning to use the budget airline FlySafair will need to prepare for a fare increase. Here’s what you need to know:
FlySafair has officially announced a raise in ticket prices, a decision predominantly driven by a temporary fuel surcharge arising from soaring jet fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
The temporary fuel surcharge is set to apply to flights that are scheduled to depart on or before 12 May 2026. However, existing bookings will not be impacted by this new pricing structure.
The airline has faced a leap of approximately 70% in Jet A1 fuel prices at South African coastal airports in the course of just one week. To maintain the airline’s low fare model, FlySafair has decided to pass on a portion of these increased costs to the passengers.
Notably, this is the first time FlySafair has introduced a fuel surcharge, a measure it has successfully resisted until now. The surcharge will commence from 12 March 2026.
To promote fairness and transparency, the airline will itemise the surcharge explicitly on all tickets. Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the company's commitment to providing customers with clear visibility regarding what they are paying for.
FlySafair intends to remove the surcharge once fuel prices stabilise, indicating their hope that improved conditions will revert fare structures to their previous levels.
IOL