South African infrastructure investment firm Harith Aviation has moved a step closer to acquiring Safair Holdings, the parent company of FlySafair, after the Competition Commission recommended that the transaction be approved subject to conditions designed to safeguard competition within the country’s aviation sector.
The proposed acquisition, which still requires consideration by the Competition Tribunal, would place FlySafair under the ownership of an investment platform linked to Harith General Partners, the Africa focused infrastructure investment firm co founded and chaired by South African businessman Tshepo Mahloele. Harith manages infrastructure investments across several sectors, including transport, energy, telecommunications and logistics.
If approved, the transaction would represent one of the most notable changes in South Africa’s domestic aviation market in recent years, bringing together one of the country’s largest low cost airlines with an infrastructure investment group that already has interests in transport related assets.
FlySafair has become South Africa’s largest domestic airline by passenger market share following the exit of competitors such as Comair and Mango. The airline operates an extensive domestic network and has expanded its regional footprint within Southern Africa, connecting markets that support tourism, trade and business mobility across the region.
The Competition Commission’s recommendation followed an assessment of potential competition concerns arising from Harith’s existing ownership interest in Lanseria International Airport, a privately owned international airport near Johannesburg. Regulators examined whether common ownership of an airport and airline could create opportunities for preferential treatment that could disadvantage competing carriers.
To address these concerns, Harith has committed to implementing information barriers between the airport and airline businesses and ensuring that airport services are provided to all airlines on fair, reasonable and non discriminatory terms. The measures are intended to maintain competitive neutrality while allowing investment in the aviation sector to proceed.
The acquisition also comes against the backdrop of ongoing discussions around ownership requirements in South Africa’s aviation industry. Domestic airlines are required to meet specific local ownership thresholds under South African aviation regulations, and the proposed transaction is expected to bring FlySafair’s ownership structure closer into alignment with these requirements.
For Harith, the move aligns with its broader strategy of investing in critical infrastructure that supports economic connectivity across Africa. The firm has previously invested in transport assets, including rail operator Traxtion and infrastructure platforms linked to logistics networks.
The potential acquisition reflects a growing trend of African institutional and private investors seeking greater participation in strategic sectors traditionally dominated by multinational operators. Across the continent, aviation infrastructure remains closely linked to economic development, regional integration and the movement of people and goods.
South Africa’s aviation sector has faced significant disruption over the past decade, including airline failures, rising operational costs and changing passenger patterns. At the same time, privately backed investment has played an increasing role in maintaining connectivity and supporting the resilience of transport networks.
The final decision rests with the Competition Tribunal, which will determine whether the transaction can proceed. If approved, the deal would mark a significant expansion of Harith’s transport portfolio and further position FlySafair within an integrated infrastructure investment strategy focused on Southern Africa’s evolving mobility needs.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and remains part of a broader conversation about balancing private investment, competition and long term infrastructure development in Africa’s aviation industry.
