Rising jet fuel prices in South Africa are putting fresh pressure on airlines and travellers, with higher ticket prices now seen as difficult to avoid.

Aviation analyst Guy Leitch told 702 Drive that jet fuel prices have more than doubled over the past month, largely due to supply uncertainty linked to conflict in the Middle East. As a result, some airlines have introduced explicit fuel levies, while others are adjusting fares as costs move.

Jet fuel prices South Africa: why fares may rise

Leitch said the price shock has hit airlines worldwide, not only South Africa. He noted that airlines sell tickets months in advance, which makes fuel price uncertainty a major risk when costs change after fares have already been set.

Locally, he estimated that jet fuel had climbed from about R11.50 per litre to between R25 and R28 per litre. Since fuel usually makes up 30% to 35% of an airline’s operating costs, he said the impact on ticket prices is “unavoidable”.

FlySafair has also linked fare pressure to the fuel shock. The airline said aviation fuel prices in South Africa rose by around 70% in one week, prompting it to introduce a temporary fuel surcharge from 12 March 2026 for flights departing on or before 21 August 2026.

Airlines cut routes as fuel costs bite

The pressure from jet fuel prices South Africa is also affecting airline schedules. Leitch said some flights on less profitable routes are already being combined or cancelled as airlines try to reduce costs.

Lufthansa Group has taken similar action internationally. The airline group said it would remove 20,000 short-haul flights from its summer schedule through October 2026, saving about 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel. It said the affected flights represented around 1% of available seat kilometres.

Leitch said damaged refineries and uncertainty over future supply have made the problem harder for airlines to manage. He added that restoring refinery production could take at least six months or longer.

Wider impact on travel and the economy

Higher jet fuel prices in South Africa could also affect tourism, trade and business travel. Leitch warned that reduced air connectivity has a broad economic impact because airline spending supports related activity in tourism, freight and business services.

However, he opposed government subsidies for aviation. He argued that subsidies distort the market and would mainly benefit wealthier travellers, while South Africa should focus on more basic needs.

For now, passengers should expect airlines to keep reviewing fares, surcharges and schedules while fuel prices remain volatile. Travellers booking flights months ahead may see prices change more quickly than usual as airlines respond to uncertain costs.