FLYSAFAIR SALE APPROVED: MAJOR R7 BILLION DEAL MARKS NEW CHAPTER FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S BIGGEST AIRLINE
The proposed sale of FlySafair to South African infrastructure investor Harith has received approval from the Competition Tribunal, marking a major development for the country’s aviation industry.
The decision, reported on 29 October 2026, clears an important regulatory hurdle for the transaction, which is valued at approximately R7 billion. The deal is expected to be concluded before the end of 2026, subject to outstanding regulatory approvals and the fulfilment of the remaining conditions.
The acquisition will see Harith Aviation Consortium take control of FlySafair, one of South Africa’s leading low-cost airlines. The transaction is part of Harith’s broader strategy to expand its investments in transport infrastructure and strengthen connectivity across the country and the African continent.
COMPETITION TRIBUNAL APPROVES FLYSAFAIR ACQUISITION
The Competition Tribunal’s approval represents a significant step towards completing the proposed acquisition of FlySafair by Harith.
The transaction involves the acquisition of a 100% stake in the airline from its parent company, Safair Holdings. The deal follows a lengthy process involving regulatory scrutiny of FlySafair’s ownership structure and compliance with South Africa’s aviation ownership requirements.
The Competition Commission had previously recommended that the transaction be approved subject to conditions. These include safeguards relating to Harith’s existing investment in Lanseria International Airport and measures intended to protect fair competition between airlines.
The conditions are intended to address concerns about access to commercially sensitive information and ensure that other airlines receive fair treatment when using relevant airport services.
Although the Competition Tribunal has approved the deal, the transaction is not yet fully complete. The parties must still satisfy the outstanding requirements before the acquisition can be finalised.
WHO IS BUYING FLYSAFAIR?
Harith is a South African investment group focused on infrastructure development across Africa. Its interests include transport-related assets, with investments in Lanseria International Airport and rail operator Traxtion.
The acquisition of FlySafair would strengthen the company’s presence in the aviation sector and expand its role in South Africa’s transport industry.
Harith has described the transaction as a long-term investment in a successful South African business. The group believes reliable and affordable air travel supports tourism, trade, economic activity and opportunities for travellers and businesses.
The proposed acquisition was announced in February 2026, when the parties confirmed that an agreement had been reached, subject to regulatory approval.
The latest Competition Tribunal decision moves the transaction closer to completion.
WILL FLYSAFAIR TICKET PRICES CHANGE?
One of the main questions for passengers is whether the change in ownership will affect ticket prices.
FlySafair has indicated that its operations will continue as usual while the remaining conditions are addressed. The airline is expected to retain its existing brand, management structure and low-cost operating model.
For travellers, this means there is currently no confirmed announcement that the acquisition will automatically result in higher or lower fares.
Ticket prices can vary according to demand, travel dates, route availability, operating costs and other factors. Any future changes to pricing or services would depend on the airline’s decisions and market conditions.
Passengers should therefore continue checking available fares through the airline’s official booking channels rather than assuming that the ownership change will lead to immediate discounts.
WHY THE DEAL MATTERS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
FlySafair has become a major player in South Africa’s domestic aviation market, connecting travellers to several important destinations.
The airline’s low-cost model has helped make air travel accessible to customers who might otherwise find flying expensive. It also plays a role in supporting tourism, business travel and connections between major cities.
The acquisition could give FlySafair access to long-term investment intended to support its future development. Harith’s wider transport interests could also create opportunities to strengthen connections between aviation and other infrastructure services.
However, the transaction has also attracted scrutiny because of potential overlaps between Harith’s airport interests and its proposed airline ownership. The regulatory conditions are intended to address these competition concerns.
The long-term impact will depend on how the deal is implemented and whether the airline can maintain its affordability, service standards and competitive position.
WHEN WILL THE FLYSAFAIR SALE BE COMPLETED?
The acquisition is expected to close before the end of 2026, provided the remaining regulatory approvals and transaction conditions are satisfied.
Until completion, FlySafair is expected to continue operating under its existing management and brand.
The Competition Tribunal’s decision is an important milestone, but it does not mean that every remaining requirement has already been completed.
Further announcements from Harith and FlySafair should provide more clarity as the parties move towards finalising the transaction.
CONCLUSION
The approval of Harith’s proposed acquisition of FlySafair marks a significant development for South Africa’s aviation industry.
The approximately R7 billion transaction could reshape the airline’s ownership while supporting Harith’s ambitions in the transport sector. Nevertheless, the deal remains subject to outstanding requirements before it can be finalised.
For passengers, the immediate message is that FlySafair is expected to continue operating as usual. Whether the acquisition eventually leads to changes in fares, services or expansion plans will become clearer after the transaction is completed.
South African travellers should watch for official announcements while continuing to compare flight prices and booking options when planning their journeys.