South African aviation authorities are investigating a low-altitude flyover conducted by two Airlink passenger jets before a rugby match at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has gathered flight data recordings and requested additional information from Airlink for assessment. A comprehensive report with recommendations will be released upon completion of the review.
Following the safety concerns raised, Airlink has decided to cancel another planned flyover at an upcoming rugby match in Soweto. The SACAA, responsible for aviation safety and security regulation, confirmed the withdrawal of the flyover plans.
The flyover preceding the Springboks-All Blacks rugby match on August 29 received enthusiastic cheers from the 56,000 spectators present at the stadium. However, the event also sparked a safety debate after video footage circulated online, capturing the planes flying low over the stadium.
Deandra Peters, a 25-year-old pilot and aviation enthusiast attending her first live rugby game, described the electrifying atmosphere inside the stadium as indescribable in videos. Airlink emphasized that the flyover was meticulously planned and rehearsed, with safety being the top priority at every stage of the process. Each aircraft had three senior captains on board, boasting a combined flight experience exceeding 75,000 hours.
Acknowledging the mixed reactions generated by the flyover, Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht stated that the airline never intended to overshadow the rugby event or attract such widespread attention. The SACAA will analyze the flight data to address any safety concerns that may arise from the incident.
South African rugby has a longstanding tradition of flyovers at major matches, dating back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in Johannesburg. The recent flyover in Cape Town, which drew international attention for its dramatic and low altitude, has raised questions from aviation experts about the safety margins involved.
Airlink has also withdrawn its application for a scheduled flyover on September 5 at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium due to unfavorable weather conditions that could compromise the safety of the formation flyby.