Zuko Komisa
- A 70% spike in jet fuel costs linked to Middle East instability.
- A temporary surcharge on new bookings departing by 12 May 2026.
- Existing tickets remain unaffected, and fees will be reviewed regularly.
For years, South African holidaymakers and business commuters have relied on FlySafair to keep their travel budgets grounded. However, a sudden storm in the global oil market has finally forced the budget carrier to adjust its sails.
For the first time in its history, the airline is introducing a temporary fuel surcharge, turning a once-steady fare into a moving target.
The shift comes as a direct response to the volatility in the Middle East, which sent the price of Jet A1 fuel skyrocketing by a staggering 70% at coastal airports in just seven days.
While the airline has long resisted passing these costs on to loyal flyers, the sheer scale of the surge made the “low fare” model impossible to sustain without a minor intervention.
Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi spoke to Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, who emphasised that the move was a last resort aimed at maintaining transparency.
Starting 12 March 2026, travellers will see the adjustment reflected in their quotes.
The silver lining? The airline plans to keep the surcharge under constant review, promising to dial back the costs as soon as the global fuel market settles down.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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