’Metres from disaster?’ Airlink flyover above Cape Town Stadium raises safety questions

Two Airlink jets flew just metres above Cape Town Stadium during Saturday’s Springboks–All Blacks Test, a manoeuvre that has prompted international criticism and debate over aviation safety. According to The Citizen, the double flyover involved two Airlink Embraer 190 passenger jets painted in South Africa’s green-and-gold and New Zealand’s all-black liveries, and was described by many critics as “one of the lowest flyovers yet recorded” just 12m above the stadium’s roof.

What happened over the stadium

The Citizen reports the formation flyby took place before the second Test of the series at Cape Town Stadium. Videos of the jets passing low above the venue circulated widely on social media and were carried by international news outlets, drawing both criticism and admiration.

Airlink says flight was approved and rehearsed

Airlink issued a statement responding to concerns raised online. The airline said the flyby required “careful planning and rehearsal” and that the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided “guidance, approval and support to ensure a safe flyby.”

“The two aircraft were flown by highly experienced crews, with each comprised of three senior captains operating in the roles of commander, copilot and safety/technical officer,” the airline said, adding that recorded flight data confirmed the flights were performed within the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the flypast.

Safety rules and unanswered questions

The Citizen notes civil aviation regulations specify a minimum of 1 000 feet over built-up areas and 3 000 feet (900m) over ‘open-air assemblies’. The report explains that formal air-show displays are normally controlled by an on-ground “air boss” and use a marked display line to keep aircraft at a distance from audiences.

The Citizen also reports that Sacaa was sent questions but had not replied by the time of going to publication.

Reactions at home and abroad

International coverage included outlets that called the flyover dangerously low while others showed reluctant admiration. The Citizen says some South Africans defended the pilots on social media and that public figures present at the stadium also backed the stunt.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, who was at the stadium during the flyover, told The Citizen it was “laughable” to hear aviation experts criticise the display and said he had caught an “incredible view” of the flyover.

The Citizen reports Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie posted on X praising the pilots and saying the display was “spectacular”.

What remains clear

The flypast has prompted an international discussion about low-altitude displays over packed stadiums. According to The Citizen, the jets were Airlink Embraer 190s in national liveries, the flyover was measured at about 12m above the stadium’s roof by critics, and aviation authorities had not publicly responded to queries by the time The Citizen published its story.