Harith to Acquire FlySafair in R7bn Deal
Harith is acquiring South Africa's largest airline, FlySafair, for approximately R7bn following conditional approval from the Competition Tribunal.
The Harith Aviation Consortium is set to acquire FlySafair, South Africa's largest airline, in a transaction valued at approximately R7bn. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, following approval from the Competition Tribunal.
To prevent collusive or discriminatory conduct, the Competition Tribunal attached specific conditions to the approval, particularly concerning Harith's existing 37% ownership stake in Lanseria International Airport. FlySafair currently controls about 60% of the South African aviation market. This acquisition follows previous unsuccessful negotiations between Harith and South African Airways.
Harith CEO Sipho Makhubela described the investment as a demonstration of long-term South African capital backing a successful domestic business. FlySafair CEO Elmar Conradie stated that the investment reflects confidence in the airline's future growth and noted that operations have remained business as usual for customers and staff throughout the process.
