South Africa's aviation sector is poised for a transformative change with the announcement that Harith General Partners, a prominent infrastructure investor, has agreed to acquire full ownership of FlySafair, the nation's largest low-cost airline. This strategic move, revealed on February 10, 2026, represents a significant step in Harith's ambitious plan to expand its transport and infrastructure portfolio across the African continent. The acquisition is being conducted through Harith's dedicated aviation division, Harith Aviation, and is currently pending various regulatory approvals, including crucial antitrust clearances and reviews by licensing bodies. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized by the fourth quarter of 2026.

FlySafair has established itself as South Africa's leading domestic airline, renowned for its consistent reliability and affordability, serving millions of passengers annually. The airline has previously been at the center of regulatory discussions concerning foreign ownership limits in the country's aviation industry. With Harith, a South African private equity firm, taking ownership, the acquisition is expected to definitively address and resolve these long-standing concerns regarding local ownership compliance, ensuring the airline operates fully within national regulations.

Harith General Partners, which oversees an impressive portfolio of assets valued at approximately $3 billion, benefits from partial ownership by the South African government through the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). The PIC, responsible for managing public-sector funds such as the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), holds a 30% stake in Harith. According to Harith Chairman Tshepo Mahloele, the decision to acquire FlySafair is deeply aligned with the firm's broader strategic objectives of enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic growth through targeted investments in vital transport infrastructure. Mahloele emphasized that this acquisition extends beyond mere ownership, focusing instead on bolstering Africa's aviation ecosystem and cultivating new opportunities for regional expansion.

The integration of FlySafair into Harith's extensive portfolio is projected to significantly boost the airline's operational capabilities and underpin its future plans for regional expansion. FlySafair's robust domestic presence and its strong reputation for efficiency make it a highly valuable asset for Harith as the firm seeks to broaden its influence within Africa's dynamic aviation sector. This deal also effectively resolves regulatory challenges that have shadowed FlySafair in recent years, particularly concerning restrictions on non-South African entities holding majority stakes in local carriers. By transferring ownership to a South African entity like Harith, FlySafair is expected to achieve full compliance, thereby facilitating smoother operations and opening pathways for further growth.

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for South Africa’s aviation industry, an industry that has navigated numerous complexities in recent times, including the restructuring of South African Airways (SAA). While Harith's previous attempt to acquire a stake in SAA was unsuccessful, its concentrated investment in FlySafair underscores its unwavering commitment to enhancing the country’s aviation infrastructure. With Harith's backing, FlySafair is strategically positioned to elevate its services, expand its route network, and potentially explore new regional and international markets. This move is also consistent with wider initiatives aimed at improving connectivity across Africa, which are crucial for advancing trade, tourism, and overall economic integration.

As the acquisition process advances, all attention will be on how Harith leverages FlySafair's inherent strengths to realize its strategic objectives. For aviation professionals across Africa, this acquisition highlights the increasing influence of private equity in shaping the continent's aviation landscape. By investing in reliable and efficient carriers such as FlySafair, firms like Harith are not only addressing existing regulatory hurdles but are also laying foundational groundwork for a more interconnected and competitive African aviation market. With the transaction anticipated to conclude by late 2026, FlySafair's future under Harith's stewardship holds the promise of significant opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced connectivity within South Africa and across the wider region.