SAA has become the latest domestic airline to announce a fare increase, following sharp rises in global jet fuel prices due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Image: File
Air travellers in South Africa may soon see changes in ticket prices as airlines respond to rising global fuel costs linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
South African Airways (SAA) confirmed that it will adjust certain airfares after receiving notifications from fuel suppliers about increases in the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel.
In a statement, the airline said the cost increases have come into effect immediately.
“We have begun receiving Jet A1 fuel hike notifications from fuel suppliers that has come into immediate effect and given the substantial scale of these increases, it is impossible for the airline to absorb them entirely. As a result, SAA will need to adjust airfares,” the airline said.
SAA monitoring Middle East crisis as fuel price pressures mount SAA monitoring Middle East crisis as fuel price pressures mount
Image: IOL
SAA added that updated ticket prices will be reflected across its booking channels, global distribution systems and other travel platforms from 12 March 2026.
Passengers who already purchased tickets before the adjustments will not be affected by the change.
“Tickets already purchased and issued prior to the effective date will be honoured at the fare paid,” the airline said.
The development follows a similar announcement by low-cost carrier FlySafair, which recently confirmed it would introduce a temporary fuel surcharge in response to the sharp rise in jet fuel prices.
According to the airline, the surcharge applies to flights departing on or before 12 May 2026, while existing bookings will remain unchanged.
Airlines have indicated that the pricing adjustments are linked to higher fuel costs stemming from instability in the Middle East, which has affected global energy markets and aviation fuel prices.
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