- Jet fuel prices have doubled since February, forcing airlines to add surcharges that now make up more than half of flight operating costs.
- Travellers now pay over R800 extra one way between Johannesburg and Cape Town, with return fares rising above R4,000 across major airlines.
Passengers flying between Johannesburg and Cape Town now pay far more than before. A one way ticket can cost over R800 extra because of rising fuel prices.
According to Moneyweb, flights that once felt affordable for work or family visits now cost much more. Many travellers struggle to find return tickets under R4,000.
The increase comes after jet fuel prices surged when conflict involving Iran began. Data from the International Air Transport Association shows prices rose from about $100 to $200 a barrel since late February.
FlySafair says fuel at coastal airports jumped by 70% in one week. Fuel now makes up more than half of flight costs, adding about R35,000 per flight in March.
The airline introduced a temporary fuel surcharge on 12 March. It shows this cost separately so passengers can see what they are paying for. Other airlines have raised base fares instead.
The surcharge depends on distance. Longer flights cost more because they burn more fuel. The Johannesburg to Cape Town surcharge has climbed from about R167 to over R830.
Shorter routes like Johannesburg to Durban now add about R460. Popular tourist routes such as Cape Town to Hoedspruit cost nearly R1,000 extra.
Return flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town have nearly doubled in two months. Prices rose from about R2,000 to over R4,000, with last minute bookings reaching up to R9,000.
Pictured above: Rising jet fuel prices are pushing up flight costs for South African travellers.
Image source: Pexels
