Harith General Partners’ acquisition of FlySafair and what it means for South African travel

On 10 February 2026 Harith General Partners, via its aviation arm Harith Aviation, entered into an agreement to acquire full ownership of FlySafair, South Africa’s largest low-cost domestic carrier; the transaction is conditional on antitrust clearances and licensing reviews and is targeted to close by Q4 2026.

Deal specifics and regulatory path

The purchase transfers operational control of FlySafair to a predominantly South African investor structure, addressing long-standing concerns about foreign ownership caps. With the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) 및 Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) already connected to Harith’s ownership, the deal strengthens local compliance while increasing Harith’s transport portfolio to roughly the size and scope of its existing assets.

Strategic rationale from an infrastructure perspective

Harith’s acquisition is consistent with its strategy to build regional connectivity through targeted transport assets. According to Tshepo Mahloele, the move is intended to boost Africa’s aviation ecosystem by combining FlySafair’s efficient domestic network with Harith’s capital and infrastructure expertise. Expect a focus on operational resilience, route optimization and potential fleet expansion where the economics justify growth.

Operational implications for FlySafair

Integration into Harith’s portfolio should unlock several practical changes:

• Short-term: emphasis on regulatory compliance and continuity of service to avoid disruption to millions of domestic passengers.
• Medium-term: possible network adjustments to improve yields on high-demand city pairs and to support feeder routes for regional expansion.
• Long-term: investment in digital systems, ground operations and fleet renewal that could lower unit costs and improve punctuality.

What this means for ground transport, taxis and airport transfers

Changes at the airline level typically ripple into the ground-transport market. More consistent schedules and potential route growth may increase demand for airport pick-ups, intercity transfers and last-mile services. For passengers this translates into:

• Higher demand peaks at major airports, affecting wait times for cabs and private transfer services.
• A need for exact pick-up times and clearer flight-to-driver communications to avoid missed connections.
• Opportunity for transfer services to offer tailored options — from economical cabs to larger 6-seater or limousine services for groups and business travelers.

Platforms that show vehicle make, model and driver ratings in advance help travelers coordinate transfers to flight schedules more precisely, reducing stress at arrival. For example, GetTransfer.com’s transparency around vehicle details and driver ratings can simplify pre-trip planning for airport transfers, group logistics and deliveries tied to tourism flows.

Key impacts at a glance

Checklist for travelers and travel managers

To have a mind to avoid surprises when the market adjusts, consider these practical steps:

• Book airport transfers in advance for peak arrival and departure times.
• Confirm exact driver pick-up location and time against real-time flight status.
• Choose vehicle type based on luggage and group size: economy cab, Private sedan, seater van or limousine.
• Check fare transparency and cancellation terms before you pay.

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In summary, Harith’s planned acquisition of FlySafair is likely to stabilise domestic air services, resolve ownership questions, and set the stage for carefully managed growth across key city routes and regional destinations. For travelers and logistics managers this should mean more predictable schedules, easier planning for airport transfers, and clearer pricing for last-mile services. Platforms that allow you to view exact vehicle details, driver credentials and fares in advance simplify the process of how much to budget for a cab or private transfer, how to book the right car, and how to get from airport to destination on time. GetTransfer.com provides a global, user-friendly solution for booking personalised transfers, trips, and deliveries with transparency and convenience—helping you match the right car and driver to your needs and avoid surprises when you travel.