Harith Aviation Consortium (legal entity Harith Aviation (Pty) Ltd) has received approval from the Competition Tribunal to proceed with its acquisition of a 100% stake in FlySafair, South Africa’s leading low-cost airline.
The transaction brings long-term South African investment into a successful local airline, keeping ownership in South Africa and reflecting Harith’s commitment to supporting the country’s economic development through the expansion of critical infrastructure.
For FlySafair, it will be business as usual as the airline will continue to operate independently under its existing management team and retain its low-cost operating model and customer offering.
“This transaction represents far more than an investment in an airline,” said Sipho Makhubela, CEO of Harith General Partners. “It is a demonstration of long-term South African capital backing a successful South African business. FlySafair has built an exceptional airline with a trusted brand, strong management team and market-leading customer proposition. Our role is to support that success with patient capital while enabling the next phase of growth.”
Over 20 years, Harith has invested in infrastructure spanning rail, airport operations, logistics and border-post management, supporting the movement of people and goods across South Africa and the region. FlySafair adds commercial aviation to this track record, extending Harith’s network across key parts of the transport sector.
For FlySafair, the Tribunal’s decision marks an important milestone in a process that has run alongside the airline’s continued operations and growth.
“We are pleased with the Competition Tribunal’s decision. It is a significant milestone for the transaction and reflects confidence in the future of the airline,” said Elmar Conradie, Chief Executive Officer of FlySafair. “We are excited about the road ahead with our incoming shareholder, and about the opportunities to strengthen our foundations and to grow the South African passenger aviation market. Throughout this process, it has been business as usual for our customers and our people, and that continues. As the remaining conditions are met, we look forward to embarking on a new chapter for FlySafair.”
“Harith Aviation Consortium’s investment in FlySafair recognises aviation as an important driver of connectivity and economic activity. Reliable and affordable air travel expands access to opportunity, supports tourism and trade and contributes to broader economic growth,” added Sipho Makhubela.
Following the Competition Tribunal approval, the parties are progressing the remaining regulatory approvals and conditions precedent required for implementation of the transaction. Subject to receipt of the outstanding approvals and satisfaction of the remaining conditions precedent, the transaction is currently expected to close in late 2026.
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About Harith General Partners and Harith Aviation Consortium
Harith General Partners is a leading investment holding company focused on African infrastructure. Headquartered in Johannesburg, Harith manages significant portfolios across key sectors including energy, transport, and telecommunications. As a pioneer in infrastructure development, Harith is dedicated to identifying and scaling high-performing assets that drive economic growth and regional connectivity. With a deep commitment to sustainable development and institutional integrity, Harith serves as a bridge between long-term capital and Africa’s most critical infrastructure needs.
Harith Aviation Consortium is the acquisition vehicle established for the transaction and is led by Harith General Partners, which manages the investment on behalf of the consortium’s underlying investors.
About FlySafair
FlySafair, Southern Africa’s leading low-cost carrier and proud Trusted Domestic Carrier for the Springboks and Proteas men’s and women’s teams, offers budget-friendly flights starting at R570* for domestic travel between ten destinations. FlySafair also operates five international routes, connecting South Africa with our African neighbours from Johannesburg starting from R1 400*, as well as Cape Town to Windhoek, starting at just R1 800*.
Since operations began in 2014, the airline has been ranked the top on-time low-cost airline in the world by Cirium. In 2025, FlySafair received five awards at the SACAA Civil Aviation Industry Awards, including Aircraft Operator, Aviation Innovation, People Development, Aviation Professional presented to Blacky Komani, and Best Airline by Public Vote. FlySafair was also awarded the Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa award in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026, and was named Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline at the 2026 World Travel Awards.
*Fares exclude FlySafair’s temporary dynamic fuel surcharge, which is displayed separately during booking and reviewed weekly in line with fuel costs.
