Low-cost airline FlySafair will introduce a temporary fuel surcharge on certain flights as rising global fuel prices put pressure on operating costs.
The airline says it has been absorbing higher fuel prices since the Middle East crisis began on 28 February, but the situation has now reached a point where some of the costs must be passed on to customers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the airline.
Jet A1 fuel prices at South African coastal airports have increased by about 70% in just one week. The spike follows disruptions to global oil supply linked to the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes.
The temporary surcharge will take effect from today, 12 March 2026 and will apply only to flights departing on or before 12 May 2026.
FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, says the airline chose to itemise the surcharge separately on tickets to ensure transparency for customers.
Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for airlines and typically accounts for about half of FlySafair’s direct operating costs. The airline estimates that the current fuel price increases add about R35,000 per flight hour for each Boeing 737-800 aircraft in its fleet.
The airline says the surcharge is intended as a short-term measure and will be reviewed regularly based on movements in jet fuel prices. It says the amount charged will vary depending on the length of the route to reflect the fuel required for each journey.
Passengers who have already booked flights will not be affected. Their ticket prices will remain unchanged and no surcharge will be added retrospectively.
However, bookings made from 12 March for flights departing on or before 12 May will include the surcharge as a separate line item on the ticket. Passengers who change an existing booking to a flight within that period will also be subject to the surcharge.
FlySafair says it has not previously implemented a fuel surcharge and has historically avoided passing fuel price volatility on to customers.
The airline adds that the surcharge is not intended to generate profit but to help maintain operations while fuel prices remain unusually high. The charge will be reduced or removed once market conditions improve.
Airlines around the world have adjusted pricing in response to volatile fuel markets. Several international carriers, including Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, already use fuel surcharges linked to jet fuel benchmarks.
Industry analysts say higher fuel prices can affect both domestic and international travel demand, particularly among leisure travellers, and may have knock-on effects for tourism and hospitality sectors.
FlySafair says it continues to monitor global fuel markets and supply conditions while working with suppliers to manage costs. The airline maintains that its goal remains to keep air travel accessible while maintaining financially sustainable operations.
The airline says it has been absorbing higher fuel prices since the Middle East crisis began on 28 February, but the situation has now reached a point where some of the costs must be passed on to customers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the airline.
Jet A1 fuel prices at South African coastal airports have increased by about 70% in just one week. The spike follows disruptions to global oil supply linked to the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes.
The temporary surcharge will take effect from today, 12 March 2026 and will apply only to flights departing on or before 12 May 2026.
FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, says the airline chose to itemise the surcharge separately on tickets to ensure transparency for customers.
Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for airlines and typically accounts for about half of FlySafair’s direct operating costs. The airline estimates that the current fuel price increases add about R35,000 per flight hour for each Boeing 737-800 aircraft in its fleet.
The airline says the surcharge is intended as a short-term measure and will be reviewed regularly based on movements in jet fuel prices. It says the amount charged will vary depending on the length of the route to reflect the fuel required for each journey.
Passengers who have already booked flights will not be affected. Their ticket prices will remain unchanged and no surcharge will be added retrospectively.
However, bookings made from 12 March for flights departing on or before 12 May will include the surcharge as a separate line item on the ticket. Passengers who change an existing booking to a flight within that period will also be subject to the surcharge.
FlySafair says it has not previously implemented a fuel surcharge and has historically avoided passing fuel price volatility on to customers.
The airline adds that the surcharge is not intended to generate profit but to help maintain operations while fuel prices remain unusually high. The charge will be reduced or removed once market conditions improve.
Airlines around the world have adjusted pricing in response to volatile fuel markets. Several international carriers, including Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, already use fuel surcharges linked to jet fuel benchmarks.
Industry analysts say higher fuel prices can affect both domestic and international travel demand, particularly among leisure travellers, and may have knock-on effects for tourism and hospitality sectors.
FlySafair says it continues to monitor global fuel markets and supply conditions while working with suppliers to manage costs. The airline maintains that its goal remains to keep air travel accessible while maintaining financially sustainable operations.
