Aviation regulators are investigating the low-altitude Airlink flypast staged over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium before the Springboks-All Blacks Test, and the airline has withdrawn plans for a third display this weekend.
There will be no flypast this weekend for the Springboks-All Blacks Test at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium, after Airlink withdrew its application and aviation regulators opened an investigation into the low-altitude spectacle staged in Cape Town.
SACAA opens review of Airlink flypast
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) confirmed on Tuesday that it is investigating the flypast held ahead of the August 29 Test at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium, where two Airlink Embraer 190 jets painted in Springbok and All Black colours passed within metres of the stadium roof before kick-off.
The regulator said it had conducted compliance checks, engaged with Airlink, and obtained flight data recorder downloads from the two aircraft. It has since requested further information from the airline and is analysing the data before reaching what it called an informed position. A full report, including recommendations, will be shared with the operator once the assessment is complete.
Flightradar24 later reported that its lowest recorded altitude placed one jet roughly 12 to 14 metres above the top of the stadium.
Airlink has withdrawn its application for a third flypast that had been planned for this weekend’s fixture in Johannesburg. The regulator said the airline had done so proactively to allow the assessment to be completed. That means fans at FNB Stadium will not see a repeat of the aerial display.
Footage of jets near stadium roof goes viral
The Cape Town flypast drew global attention and briefly overshadowed the Springboks’ 33-26 win over the All Blacks. Footage broadcast during the match showed the lead jet appearing to skim the roof before adjusting its height at the last moment, while the second aircraft flew through smoke from the pre-match pyrotechnics. The clips went viral, with many viewers questioning how close the planes had come to disaster. Flightradar24 later reported that its lowest recorded altitude placed one jet roughly 12 to 14 metres above the top of the stadium.
Airlink stands by the manoeuvre
Airlink has defended the manoeuvre as a carefully planned and rehearsed operation. The airline said the flight was flown by highly experienced crews, with each aircraft carrying three senior captains in the roles of commander, co-pilot and safety officer, and that it was conducted with the approval and support of the SACAA and Air Traffic Navigation Services. The carrier said its own flight data confirmed the aircraft stayed within approved altitude and speed limits, and it volunteered that data to the regulator for independent review.
According to the SACAA, the three flypast applications were submitted under Part 91.06.32 of the civil aviation regulations, which governs non-passenger and non-cargo flights. The August 29 Cape Town operation was the second of the three. The first took place in Johannesburg on August 22 with SACAA approval, while the third, now shelved, had been earmarked for this weekend.
The regulator said it would refrain from further comment until its review is finalised.
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