Temporary Air Freight Fuel Surcharge Effective 13 March 2026
Due to a sharp increase in jet fuel prices driven by global events, UrgentGo Courier will introduce a temporary Airline Fuel Surcharge on all airfreight routes effective Friday, 13 March 2026. Here's everything you need to know.
Important Service Notice
A temporary Airline Fuel Surcharge will apply to all airfreight routes effective Friday, 13 March 2026. This surcharge is a direct cost recovery measure and will be adjusted in line with any changes made by the airlines.
What's in This Notice
- 1.Why This Surcharge Is Being Introduced
- 2.What the Surcharge Covers
- 3.Effective Date & How It Will Be Applied
- 4.Which Services Are Affected
- 5.What This Means for Your Business
- 6.How We Will Keep You Updated
- 7.Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why This Surcharge Is Being Introduced
Global events have caused a sharp and sudden increase in jet fuel prices, prompting major South African airlines to introduce temporary surcharges effective 11 March 2026. This development has been widely reported across several media channels, including The South African.
Because these airline-imposed increases apply directly to cargo operations, they have an immediate and unavoidable impact on all airfreight services operating within South Africa. As a logistics provider that relies on airline cargo capacity to deliver your shipments, UrgentGo Courier is directly affected by these cost increases.
Global Fuel Prices
International events have driven a sharp spike in jet fuel costs affecting all airlines.
Airline Surcharges
Major South African airlines introduced cargo surcharges effective 11 March 2026.
Cargo Operations
Airline surcharges apply directly to cargo, impacting all airfreight logistics providers.
We want to be transparent with our customers: this surcharge is not a profit-driven decision. It is a necessary and direct cost recovery measure to ensure we can continue providing the reliable, high-quality airfreight service you depend on.
2. What the Surcharge Covers
The temporary Airline Fuel Surcharge is a direct cost recovery — meaning it reflects exactly what the airlines are charging us for cargo operations. It is not a markup or a profit margin for UrgentGo Courier.
Key Principle:
This surcharge will be adjusted — upward or downward — in direct line with any changes made by the airlines. If fuel prices decrease and airlines reduce their surcharges, we will pass that reduction on to you immediately.
We continue to monitor jet fuel prices closely and will revise the relevant surcharge as market conditions normalise. Our commitment is to keep this surcharge as low as possible and to remove it entirely once the airlines withdraw their own fuel levies.
3. Effective Date & How It Will Be Applied
Surcharge Timeline
11 March 2026
Airline ActionMajor South African airlines introduce temporary fuel surcharges on cargo operations.
12 March 2026
Customer NoticeUrgentGo Courier notifies all customers of the upcoming surcharge via official communication.
13 March 2026
Effective DateUrgentGo Courier's temporary Airline Fuel Surcharge takes effect on all airfreight routes.
Ongoing
Review PeriodSurcharge adjusted in line with airline changes. Removed when airlines withdraw their levies.
The surcharge will appear as a separate line item on your invoice, clearly labelled as "Temporary Airline Fuel Surcharge", so you can track it independently from your standard airfreight costs.
4. Which Services Are Affected
The temporary Airline Fuel Surcharge applies to all airfreight routes within South Africa. This includes:
Domestic Air Freight
All point-to-point airfreight shipments between South African cities.
Express Air Courier
Same-day and next-day air courier services on all domestic routes.
Business Account Airfreight
All airfreight bookings made through business accounts and portals.
E-Commerce Air Shipments
Online retail and e-commerce parcels dispatched via air freight.
Bulk & Pallet Air Freight
Large volume and pallet-based airfreight consignments.
Medical & Pharma Air Freight
Urgent medical, pharmaceutical, and temperature-sensitive air shipments.
5. What This Means for Your Business
We understand that any cost increase — even a temporary one — has an impact on your business. Here's how to manage the effect of this surcharge:
Review Your Airfreight Budget
Factor the temporary surcharge into your logistics budget for March 2026 onwards. Contact our team for a revised quote on your regular airfreight routes.
Consider Road Alternatives Where Possible
For non-urgent shipments, our road courier and overnight freight services remain unaffected by this surcharge and may offer a cost-effective alternative.
Plan Shipments in Advance
Where possible, consolidate airfreight shipments to reduce the number of individual consignments and minimise the overall surcharge impact.
Speak to Our Team
Our logistics consultants are available to help you find the most cost-effective solution for your specific shipping needs during this period.
6. How We Will Keep You Updated
We are committed to full transparency throughout this period. Here's how we will communicate any changes to the surcharge:
We sincerely regret the need for this adjustment and appreciate your understanding. Our priority remains delivering the reliable, high-quality airfreight service you have come to expect from UrgentGo Courier.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q.When exactly does the surcharge take effect?
The temporary Airline Fuel Surcharge takes effect on Friday, 13 March 2026. Any airfreight bookings made on or after this date will include the surcharge.
Q.How much is the surcharge?
The surcharge amount is determined by the airlines' own fuel levies and will be communicated on your quote and invoice. It will be listed as a separate line item so you can see exactly what you are being charged.
Q.Will the surcharge affect my existing bookings?
Bookings confirmed and invoiced before 13 March 2026 will not be affected. The surcharge applies to new bookings made from 13 March 2026 onwards.
Q.How long will the surcharge be in place?
This is a temporary surcharge. It will be adjusted or removed as soon as the airlines revise or withdraw their own fuel levies. We will notify all customers immediately when this happens.
Q.Does this affect road courier services?
No. This surcharge applies exclusively to airfreight routes. All road-based courier and freight services remain unaffected.
Q.Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact our team on 010 023 4832 or WhatsApp 063 040 2848. You can also email us or visit our contact page for full details.
Thank You for Your Continued Support
We understand that cost increases are never welcome, and we want to assure you that this surcharge is being introduced solely to cover the direct costs imposed on us by the airlines. We are not profiting from this adjustment.
UrgentGo Courier remains committed to providing you with the most reliable, efficient, and cost-effective airfreight solutions in South Africa. We will continue to monitor the fuel price situation closely and will act swiftly to reduce or remove this surcharge as soon as market conditions allow.
Thank you for being a valued customer. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
Questions About the Surcharge?
Our team is ready to help you navigate this change and find the best solution for your business.
Explore Our Airfreight Services
Fast, reliable air cargo solutions across South Africa — with full transparency on all charges.
Airfreight Services
Domestic air cargo with priority handling, live tracking, and transparent pricing.
View serviceRoad Courier (Unaffected)
Road-based courier services are not subject to the fuel surcharge — a cost-effective alternative.
View serviceTrucking & Freight
Economy road freight for non-urgent shipments — no airline surcharge applies.
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Official Communications Team
Published March 12, 2026 · 4 min read