Update - 07 April 2026
The global jet fuel situation is beginning to affect airline operations, with some carriers in Asia already cutting flights and adjusting schedules due to supply constraints. In Southern Africa, flights continue to operate normally and fuel supply remains stable in the short term, but airlines warn that availability beyond April is uncertain. Travellers should expect continued upward pressure on airfares, with potential schedule adjustments if global supply disruptions persist.
Update – 30 March 2026
There is some positive news for travellers: South Africa's jet fuel supply is now considered secure until at least June 2026, according to industry bodies including the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa.
This means that no fuel-related flight disruptions are expected in the short term, despite ongoing global supply pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. However, airlines warn that while supply is stable, fuel costs remain high and volatile, and these increases are continuing to feed into higher airfares and surcharges.
Travellers can therefore plan with confidence for the coming months, but should still expect elevated ticket prices as airlines respond to sustained fuel cost pressure.
Update – 25 March 2026
Jet fuel cost pressures are intensifying, with multiple South African airlines now introducing surcharges or increasing fares. While Sasol says fuel supply remains stable for now, contingency plans are being implemented and airlines globally are warning of potential supply constraints from April. Flights continue to operate normally, but travellers should expect higher fares and possible schedule adjustments if fuel market volatility persists.
Update – 23 March 2026
FlyNamibia has increased airfares from 23 March 2026 after introducing a fuel surcharge, as rising oil prices and ongoing Middle East tensions continue to drive up jet fuel costs. The adjustment applies across the Westair Aviation group, including FlyNamibia, FlyNamibia Safari and Westair Charters. Flights continue to operate normally, but travellers should expect higher ticket prices across the region as airlines pass on escalating fuel costs.
last update 23 March 2026
Jet fuel prices across Southern Africa remain extremely high and volatile, driven by ongoing Middle East tensions. FlySafair continues its temporary fuel surcharge, while other carriers, including Airlink and South African Airways, are adjusting fares on domestic, regional, and international routes. Flights are still operating normally, but travellers should expect higher ticket prices and keep an eye on airline updates as fuel costs continue to influence fares.
last update 18 March 2026
Jet fuel prices remain highly elevated, with airlines in Southern Africa and globally continuing to pass on rising costs through higher fares and fuel surcharges. Additional international carriers are now adjusting pricing, and early capacity cuts by some airlines highlight growing pressure on the aviation sector. While no jet fuel shortages have been reported at major airports, travellers should expect further airfare increases in the coming weeks if fuel prices remain volatile.
last update 17 March 2026
Jet fuel prices continue to surge, with costs in Southern Africa now up more than 100% in the past month. Additional African carriers, including RwandAir, Air Mauritius and Ethiopian Airlines, have begun introducing fuel surcharges or fare increases, signalling a broader regional impact. Flights continue to operate normally, but travellers should expect further airfare increases in the coming weeks.
last update 16 March 2026
Airlines in South Africa are adjusting fares following the recent spike in global jet fuel prices. FlySafair has introduced a temporary dynamic fuel surcharge for flights departing until 12 May 2026, while South African Airways has implemented fare increases across its domestic, regional and international network from 12 March. Other airlines such as Airlink are also adjusting ticket prices. Importantly, previously issued tickets remain valid at the original fare.
last update 11 March 2026
South African domestic airline, FlySafair, has announced the introduction of a temporary dynamic fuel surcharge on tickets in response to the sharp rise in global jet fuel prices linked to the Middle East crisis. The surcharge will apply to new bookings for flights departing between 12 March and 12 May 2026 and will appear as a separate line item on tickets. Existing bookings will not be affected.
Other South African airlines have not yet introduced dedicated fuel surcharges. However, carriers including South African Airways and Airlink say they are closely monitoring jet fuel prices and may adjust fares if costs remain elevated. For travellers, this means that while flights are operating normally, ticket prices across the region could gradually increase if fuel markets remain volatile.
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The airline says jet fuel prices at South African coastal airports have increased by around 70% in just one week, forcing it to pass on part of the additional costs while keeping the surcharge temporary and transparent. The amount will vary by route length and will be reviewed regularly as fuel prices change.
The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East has raised concerns about global oil supply and aviation fuel availability. Since jet fuel is refined from crude oil, disruptions to global shipping routes can quickly affect airline operations and ticket prices.
For travellers heading to Southern Africa, the good news is that flights are currently operating normally and airports have adequate jet fuel supplies. However, airlines and fuel suppliers across the region are closely monitoring developments.
Why the Middle East situation matters
A large share of the world’s oil exports moves through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy shipping routes globally.
If oil shipments through this route are disrupted, global fuel prices typically rise. For airlines, jet fuel is one of their largest operating costs, so sustained price increases can eventually lead to higher airfares.
South Africa: Supplies Stable
In South Africa, aviation fuel supplies remain stable and airports continue normal operations.
Major hubs such as O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban currently have sufficient jet fuel stocks.
Supply comes from a mix of domestic production, synthetic fuels from Sasol, and imported fuel arriving through ports such as Durban.
For travellers, this means no fuel-related flight disruptions are currently expected.
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Other Southern African countries have smaller aviation markets but continue to receive regular fuel deliveries.
Airports operating normally include:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia
- Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay, Namibia
- Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone, Botswana
- Maun Airport (MUB) in Maun, Botswana
- Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, Zambia
- Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, Zambia
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Fuel in these markets is mostly imported from regional suppliers, particularly South Africa, but there are currently no widespread shortages affecting travellers.
Mozambique
In Mozambique, jet fuel is mainly imported via ports such as Maputo and Beira.
Airports including Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo and Vilankulo Airport (VNX) in Vilankulo continue operating normally.
What Travellers Should Expect
For now, travellers to Southern Africa should expect:
- Flights operating normally
- No reported jet fuel shortages at major airports
- Possible airfare increases if global fuel prices remain high
While the global energy situation remains uncertain, aviation fuel supplies across Southern Africa are currently stable.
Travellers should simply keep an eye on airline updates as the situation develops.
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