Two of South Africa’s largest airlines are introducing fuel-related price adjustments after a sharp spike in aviation fuel costs linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Philip Myrtorp/Unsplash
FlySafair confirmed it will, for the first time in its history, introduce a temporary dynamic fuel surcharge on certain flights, after jet fuel prices surged dramatically in recent weeks.
In a statement, the airline said Jet A1 aviation fuel prices at South African airports increased by roughly ‘70% in just one week‘, forcing airlines to reconsider their pricing structures.
The airline explained that fuel typically forms part of the base ticket fare, but the sudden spike has made it necessary to temporarily show the additional cost separately.
‘To keep our pricing transparent for customers, FlySafair will introduce a temporary dynamic fuel surcharge on certain flights. While fuel normally forms part of the base fare, we have chosen to show this temporary increase separately so customers can clearly see the impact of the recent fuel price spike on their ticket,’ the statement read.
According to the airline, the surcharge will take effect on 12 March 2026 and apply to flights departing on or before 12 May 2026.
Existing bookings will remain unchanged, the airline assured.
FlySafair said the measure would be reviewed regularly and reduced or removed once fuel prices stabilise.
‘We will be specifically itemising this temporary dynamic fuel surcharge on all tickets to ensure fairness and transparency to our customers,’ said FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon. ‘This is not a profit mechanism; it’s a measure to maintain service continuity while being upfront with customers.’
Regional carrier Airlink has also begun adjusting its ticket prices in response to the surge in fuel costs.
Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht told MyBroadband that the airline had already increased fares twice in recent weeks – once following the initial oil price spike and again on 9 March.
However, the airline has confirmed that existing ticket holders will not be charged additional levies.
Engelbrecht added that the airline may consider adjusting flight capacity if fuel costs remain volatile.
‘Should it become necessary, Airlink could also consider rationalising capacity to reduce direct variable costs in what is an entirely unpredictable and volatile environment,’ he said.
Meanwhile, South African Airways (SAA) says it is currently monitoring the global fuel situation without implementing changes to ticket pricing.
As previously reported by Cape {town} Etc, the airline confirmed it is closely tracking geopolitical developments that could affect aviation fuel supply chains.
According to the airline, existing agreements with licensed fuel suppliers at airports across its network provide sufficient reserves to maintain normal flight schedules for now.
The surge in aviation fuel prices comes amid sharp movements in global oil markets, as oil prices skyrocketed from around 70$ per barrel to nearly $120 after tensions escalated in the Middle East and Iran effectively blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is responsible for the transport of approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.
As reported by MyBroadband, the disruption has pushed aviation fuel costs significantly higher worldwide. The situation is also further complicated by South Africa’s heavy reliance on imported aviation fuel.
According to the Airlines Association of South Africa, over 90% of the country’s jet fuel is now imported following disruptions to local refining capacity in recent years.
This reliance, according to the publication, increases costs through shipping, storage and distribution, adding additional pressure on airlines already facing rising global fuel prices.
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