FlySafair set to come under new ownership as R7 billion deal clears major hurdle

South Africa’s largest airline, FlySafair, is moving closer to a change in ownership after the Competition Tribunal approved its acquisition by Harith General Partners, the investment group that also owns a stake in Lanseria International Airport.

The decision, announced on 28 October 2026, marks a major step forward for the transaction, which is expected to be worth approximately R7 billion. The deal is expected to close before the end of 2026, subject to outstanding approvals and conditions.

The acquisition brings together two important parts of South Africa’s aviation industry a leading low-cost airline and an investor with an established interest in airport infrastructure.

For Harith, the transaction represents an opportunity to expand its transport portfolio and strengthen its position in a sector that plays an important role in tourism, business travel and economic activity.

Harith is a pan-African infrastructure investment firm that manages approximately $3 billion (around R49.9 billion) in assets.

The group invests in infrastructure businesses across sectors including transport, energy, connectivity and logistics. Its aviation interests include a roughly 37% stake in Lanseria International Airport, the privately owned international airport north-west of Johannesburg.

FlySafair has grown since launching in 2014 into the country’s leading domestic airline by seating capacity. Its low-cost model has helped make air travel accessible to a wider range of South African travellers.

Harith’s existing investment in Lanseria gives it a foothold in airport infrastructure as it expands into airline ownership. This overlap has also raised competition concerns.

FlySafair is a major player in the domestic aviation market. Its extensive route network and low-cost business model make it an important option for people travelling between South Africa’s major cities.

Business Day reported on 29 October 2026 that the airline accounts for about 60% of the domestic market. Harith says it wants to support the airline’s continued growth and help it expand its role in African aviation.

The transaction also fits Harith’s wider strategy of investing in connected transport infrastructure, rather than holding isolated assets. Its interests in airports, rail and other transport-related projects could give the group opportunities to develop its presence across the sector.

The deal has not proceeded without regulatory scrutiny.

FlySafair’s market position and Harith’s stake in Lanseria have raised questions about whether the same investor could influence both an airline and an airport used by competing carriers.

To address these concerns, the transaction has been approved subject to conditions designed to prevent the unfair sharing of commercially sensitive information and discriminatory treatment of other airlines using Lanseria. Airport-related services must be offered on fair and reasonable terms.

These safeguards are intended to ensure that rival airlines can continue competing on fair terms, despite Harith’s interests in both parts of the aviation industry.

The ownership change also comes after scrutiny of FlySafair’s compliance with South Africa’s local airline ownership rules.

In 2024, the Domestic Air Services Council raised concerns about the structure of the airline’s voting rights, which involved trusts and companies rather than direct individual ownership. The issue became an important part of the broader debate over whether the airline met the applicable local ownership requirements.

Harith’s proposed acquisition is intended to bring the airline under a new ownership structure, although the transaction must satisfy the remaining conditions before it can be completed.

For passengers, the most important question is whether the acquisition will affect ticket prices, flight schedules or service quality.

At this stage, there is no confirmed announcement of an immediate change to FlySafair’s fares or operating model. The airline has indicated that it will continue operating under its existing brand and leadership while the transaction progresses.

The longer-term effects will depend on Harith’s investment plans, the airline’s expansion strategy and competitive conditions in the domestic market.

For now, the transaction marks a significant development in South African aviation: a major infrastructure investor is preparing to take control of the country’s largest airline while already holding a stake in one of its private airports.

Sources: FlySafair sold to the same investor who manages South Africa’s only private international airport – Daily Investor

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