The Competition Tribunal has approved Harith Aviation's acquisition of 100% of Safair Holdings, the parent company of FlySafair, subject to conditions. The transaction is expected to close in late 2026, pending outstanding regulatory approvals and the fulfilment of remaining conditions.
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The Tribunal's decision marks a key milestone in the acquisition, which will bring FlySafair under South African investment ownership through Harith Aviation Consortium.
The Competition Commission recommended approval in July, subject to conditions intended to address competition concerns arising from Harith's interest in Lanseria International Airport. These included measures to restrict the exchange of commercially sensitive information and require airport-related and airline-related goods and services supplied to other airlines at Lanseria to be provided on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.
FlySafair will continue to operate independently under its existing management team, retaining its low-cost operating model and customer offering.
Competition concerns and safeguards
Harith's interest in Lanseria International Airport raised concerns about potential conflicts between its airport investment and its ownership of an airline.
In its July recommendation, the Competition Commission proposed safeguards intended to prevent rival carriers from being disadvantaged through access to commercially sensitive information or the terms on which airport-related and airline-related services are provided at Lanseria.
The Tribunal approved the transaction subject to conditions on 27 October 2026. Its detailed reasons for the decision have not yet been published.
Harith backs FlySafair's next growth phase
Sipho Makhubela, CEO of Harith General Partners, said the acquisition represented long-term South African capital backing a successful local business.
“This transaction represents far more than an investment in an airline,” said Makhubela. “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.”
Harith has invested in infrastructure spanning rail, airport operations, logistics and border-post management over the past 20 years. The addition of FlySafair extends its interests into commercial aviation, broadening its presence across the transport sector.
Makhubela said the investment also recognised aviation's role in connectivity and economic activity.
“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,” he added.
FlySafair operations to continue as usual
FlySafair CEO Elmar Conradie said the Tribunal's decision marked a significant milestone in the acquisition process.
“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 Conradie.
“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.”
Following the Tribunal's approval, the parties are progressing the remaining regulatory approvals and conditions precedent required to implement the transaction. Closing is currently expected in late 2026, subject to these requirements being met.
