Fuel crisis necessitates levy on flights

(Photo: Elisma van der Watt/Maroela Media)

The airline FlySafair has announced that due to the recent increase in the price of aviation fuel, it has been forced to introduce a temporary fuel levy on certain domestic flights. This decision follows after the price of Jet A1 fuel at South African airports increased by approximately 70% in just one week.

Although the airline tried to bear the increase itself, the pressure on its budget became too great.

“FlySafair has absorbed these increases for as long as possible to protect customers from sudden aviation price changes. However, the scale of the increase means that we must now recover a portion of these costs in order to maintain reliable and sustainable operations,” said a statement by the airline.

Transparency for the consumer

FlySafair has also indicated that the fuel charge will be indicated as a separate item on the ticket. “While fuel usually forms part of the base fare, we have chosen to show this temporary increase separately so that customers can clearly see the impact of the recent fuel price increase on their tickets.”

The company says it remains committed to letting South Africans fly at the lowest sustainable rates, while being transparent about the real cost of aviation fuel.

What passengers need to know

The new charge came into force on 12 March and only applies to flights departing on or before 12 May.

“If you have already booked, your rate will not change. Existing bookings remain fully protected and will not be charged retroactively.

“This measure is therefore only temporary in nature and will be continuously adjusted as the market recovers,” says FlySafair.

More information on how the temporary fuel surcharge works is available here.