Viral Airlink flyover to return over Johannesburg

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has confirmed another flyover ahead of the Springboks’ third Test against New Zealand at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 5 September.

The announcement comes days after two Airlink aircraft made headlines with a dramatic flyover over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium before the second Test on 29 August.

Viral Cape Town flyover puts aviation in spotlight

The two Embraer aircraft, flying in formation in Springbok and All Blacks colours, passed remarkably close to the stadium roof before kick-off.

Planning. Precision. Performance. ✈️✈️

Spectacular scenes of Airlink’s double Embraer flyover at the DHL Stadium.

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Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the lead aircraft cleared the roof by about 41 to 46 feet, or roughly 12.5 to 14 metres. Footage of the moment spread rapidly across social media, with viewers around the world questioning the apparent proximity to the stadium.

Airlink said the flypast was carefully planned and rehearsed, with guidance, approval and support from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services. The airline also said six senior captains operated the two aircraft.

The tradition stretches back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup final at Ellis Park, when a South African Airways Boeing 747 flew over the stadium before South Africa faced New Zealand.

Now, attention turns to Soweto, where another flyover is set to form part of the pre-match spectacle at FNB Stadium.

The Springboks and All Blacks enter the third Test level at 1-1 in the four-match series.