R2,098 pain for South Africans flying in December this year

South Africans planning to fly over the December holidays this year are facing significantly higher airfares compared to two years ago.

A recent analysis by BusinessTech of average round-trip flight prices between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban across airlines such as FlySafair, Lift, Airlink, and SAA reveals a steep rise in costs.

The prices of the flights in 2022 and 2024 were both observed in November for similar dates over the December holidays.

The most significant increase was for flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, which jumped from an average of R4,830 in 2022 to R6,928 in 2024.

This R2,098 hike represents a 43.4% increase.

Meanwhile, flights to Durban rose by R943, or 31.7%, now averaging R3,920.

The reasons behind these rising prices are multifaceted.

December is traditionally a peak travel season in South Africa, leading to heightened demand and elevated prices.

However, seasonal factors alone don’t explain the sharp increases.

A closer look at the airline industry reveals underlying issues, including capacity constraints, operational challenges, and external economic pressures.

One major factor is the limited seat availability following the liquidation of Comair in 2022, which significantly reduced the country’s airline capacity.

Although remaining players like Lift, FlySafair, and Airlink have stepped up to fill some of the void, the industry is still recovering.

FlySafair’s Kirby Gordon noted that capacity has returned to about 70% of pre-pandemic levels, leaving fewer options for travellers during high-demand periods​.

Jet fuel prices have also skyrocketed, compounding the cost challenges. Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, global oil supply disruptions have driven fuel prices up by more than 80%, according to FlySafair.

This issue is exacerbated by South Africa’s reliance on imported jet fuel due to insufficient local production, making the market vulnerable to exchange rate volatility.

The weakening rand has further increased the cost of importing fuel and maintaining aircraft, which are typically leased and serviced in dollars​.

Airlines now allocate more than half of their operating expenses to fuel, leaving them with little choice but to pass these costs onto consumers.

Additionally, inflationary pressures and the slow pace of economic recovery have limited the industry’s ability to absorb rising operational costs.

While some carriers, like Lift, have expanded their routes to meet demand, these measures have not been sufficient to curb price increases.​

Travellers hoping to mitigate these costs are advised to book early and consider alternative travel dates.

Industry experts suggest that avoiding peak days around mid-December or flying mid-week can lead to substantial savings.

Another option is to explore less congested routes or smaller airlines that might offer lower fares​.

Looking forward, a meaningful reduction in airfare prices would require significant changes in the economic and operational landscape.

Improvements in global oil supply, a stronger rand, or a return to pre-pandemic passenger volumes could alleviate the pressure.

However, without these shifts, experts warn that high prices are likely to persist.

Airlines continue to strive for efficiency and sustainability, but the broader economic environment limits how much they can lower costs​.

In light of these challenges, South Africans need to prepare for a more expensive holiday travel season.

Understanding the factors driving these increases can help travellers make informed decisions and better manage their budgets during this high-demand period.

By planning ahead and staying flexible, passengers may still find ways to navigate the sky-high costs of December air travel.

Read: How much it costs to drive vs fly from Joburg to Cape Town and Durban for the holidays