FlySafair has cut its dynamic fuel surcharge to 40 percent below its late March 2026 peak. The reduction comes two weeks after South Africa’s National Consumer Commission (NCC) began investigating the budget carrier for allegedly overbooking and overselling flights.

The drop is the largest cut since the airline introduced the surcharge following Middle East conflicts that disrupted oil supply routes and raised jet fuel prices. South African airlines secured enough fuel to keep flying, but high global prices forced passengers to pay more.

The carrier said jet fuel supplies have improved and costs have dropped over the past few weeks. Lower refining margins for Jet A1 fuel also helped push retail prices down faster than the broader decline in crude oil markets, according to an airline statement.

FlySafair reduces surcharges weekly post-acquisition

Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, said in a statement that the company promised to review the charge weekly. He noted that the company committed to reducing the fee as soon as conditions allowed, aiming for transparency and fairness with its customers.

The surcharge on the busy Johannesburg-Cape Town route fell to R491.01 from a March peak of R832.6. On the Cape Town-Durban route, fees dropped to R495.69 from R840.65. The Johannesburg-Durban route fell to R271.23 from R460 over the same period.

The operational changes follow a major shift in the company’s ownership structure. Infrastructure investor Harith General Partners, led by Tshepo Mahloele, recently agreed to buy the carrier. The transaction must now proceed alongside intense scrutiny from South Africa’s consumer watchdog.

Carrier risks fine over ticket practices

The NCC recently referred FlySafair to the Consumer Tribunal after an investigation into booking practices. The inquiry began after travelers posted complaints online, reporting multiple instances where confirmed ticket holders were turned away at the boarding gate.

Acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said that the investigation showed the carrier’s business model conflicted with consumer laws. The regulator reviewed bookings from late 2024 and early 2025, concluding that FlySafair regularly sold more tickets than its aircraft had seats.

The consumer commission stated that the airline has defended overbooking as a standard commercial practice. However, regulators expressed concern that the carrier did not give passengers clear information regarding boarding risks. The practice allegedly affected thousands of travelers and raised separate revenue concerns. The regulatory body is now asking the tribunal to fine FlySafair up to 10 percent of its annual turnover.