Airlink Defends Low‑Altitude Fly‑by over Cape Town Stadium

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:35:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

South African airline Airlink says its close‑proximity aircraft stunt over a packed rugby stadium was carefully planned and safe.

Airlink’s aircraft performed a daring low‑altitude fly‑by over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium, drawing both praise and criticism. The airline insists the maneuver was executed by experienced crews under strict safety guidelines and in coordination with aviation authorities. Flight‑tracking data shows the lead aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the stadium’s roof, an impressive display of pilot skill that rekindled national pride and echoed past aviation spectacles in South Africa’s sporting history.

Airlink Defends Low‑Altitude Fly‑by over Cape Town Stadium

Two aircraft flying in close formation over a rugby stadium

Two Airlink jets roared over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Saturday, passing mere metres above the roof as smoke flares erupted ahead of a high‑tension match between South Africa and New Zealand.

The spectacle sparked a split online: some viewers derided the stunt as reckless, while others celebrated the precision that only seasoned pilots can achieve.

Airlink replied that the operation was “carefully planned with full support from the aviation authorities.” In a statement reproduced on a government news site, the airline noted the crews consisted of three senior captains responsible for command, co‑pilot and safety/technical roles.

Flight‑tracking analysis by Flightradar24 confirmed that the lead aircraft flew less than 50 feet (15 metres) above the stadium’s roof, demonstrating an impressive low‑altitude pass performed within stringent safety limits.

Despite safety concerns, many South Africans expressed national pride, arguing that the event showcased “the best pilots in the world.” Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called the display spectacular on social media.

The low‑altitude fly‑by has long been a tradition in South African sport—likewise the 1995 Rugby World Cup final saw a South African Airlines jet circle Johannesburg’s Ellis Park before the iconic match immortalised in the film Invictus.

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