JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s aviation industry is preparing for a major ownership change after investment group Harith Aviation Consortium secured conditional regulatory approval to acquire 100% of low-cost airline FlySafair.

The Competition Tribunal’s decision marks a significant milestone in a transaction that could reshape the country’s aviation landscape. The proposed acquisition, valued at approximately 7 billion South African rand, will transfer ownership of one of the country’s most prominent airlines to a locally backed investment group.

The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2026, subject to outstanding regulatory approvals and the fulfilment of remaining conditions.

Harith Sees Long-Term Potential in Aviation

Harith General Partners, a pan-African investment firm with interests in infrastructure and transportation, views the acquisition as an important opportunity to expand its presence in the aviation sector.

The investment will bring FlySafair into a broader transportation portfolio that already includes interests in airport infrastructure and railway operations.

Harith aims to strengthen the airline’s financial foundations and support its future expansion while maintaining its established low-cost operating strategy.

FlySafair to Maintain Its Existing Operations

Despite the proposed ownership change, passengers are not expected to experience immediate operational changes.

FlySafair is expected to continue operating under its existing management team, brand identity and low-cost business model.

The airline has built a strong position in South Africa by offering affordable domestic flights and connecting major cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Its extensive route network and competitive pricing have helped it become a major player in the country’s passenger aviation market.

Competition Concerns Lead to Regulatory Conditions

The acquisition has attracted regulatory attention because Harith already holds an approximately 37% interest in Lanseria International Airport, creating potential concerns about competition within the aviation industry.

To address these issues, regulators have attached conditions designed to prevent unfair competitive advantages.

These safeguards include restrictions on sharing commercially sensitive information and requirements to ensure that competing airlines receive fair access to airport facilities and services.

The merger conditions also include employment protections, preventing merger-related retrenchments for three years following completion of the transaction.

Ownership Change Could Strengthen South African Aviation

The acquisition also carries broader significance for South Africa’s aviation ownership regulations, which require domestic airlines to meet local ownership requirements.

The transfer to a South African investment consortium could help address longstanding concerns surrounding FlySafair’s ownership structure.

For Harith, the transaction represents an opportunity to invest in an established airline with a recognised brand, significant passenger demand and an extensive domestic network.

What It Means for Passengers

For travellers, the immediate focus will remain on affordable fares, reliable services and maintaining existing flight connections.

There has been no announced immediate change to ticket prices, flight schedules or booking arrangements as a result of the approval.

The airline’s future growth could create opportunities to expand connectivity and strengthen competition in regional aviation markets.

The proposed takeover represents a significant development for South Africa’s aviation industry, bringing a leading low-cost carrier under new local investment ownership while leaving its existing business operations largely unchanged for now.