FlySafair adds fuel surcharge as jet fuel prices rise

Domestic low-cost carrier FlySafair has announced the implementation of a temporary fuel surcharge to mitigate the impact of surging global jet fuel prices. The move comes as South Africa faces increased costs linked to the ongoing volatility in the Middle East. The geopolitical situation, exacerbated by military actions involving the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, has pushed crude oil prices above $100 a barrel. This instability has particularly affected the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transit route, leading to a 70% increase in Jet A1 fuel prices at South African coastal airports within a single week. Kirby Gordon, the chief marketing officer at FlySafair, explained that the airline opted for a transparent surcharge rather than a general fare hike. > Instead of increasing fares across the board or hiding costs, we have chosen to introduce a clearly labelled, temporary surcharge. Gordon noted that this approach provides passengers with clarity regarding their travel expenses. > This gives customers full visibility into what they are paying for and allows us to remove the surcharge once prices stabilise. The surcharge is scheduled to take effect on March 12 and will remain in place for flights departing on or before May 12, 2026. While energy infrastructure firms like South Bow Corporation and industrial suppliers such as Oiles Corporation monitor global supply chain shifts, the immediate pressure on the aviation sector remains acute. South African Airways also confirmed it is closely tracking the situation. Although the national carrier stated it has sufficient fuel arrangements for its current schedule, a spokesperson expressed concern over the broader implications for profitability. According to the African Airlines Association, fuel costs for carriers on the continent typically account for 30% to 40% of total operating expenses, significantly higher than the global average of 20% to 25%.