Airlink jets spark safety debate after low flypast over Cape Town stadium
Two Airlink passenger aircraft attracted widespread attention after flying in formation at low altitude over DHL Stadium in Cape Town shortly before South Africa’s rugby Test against New Zealand on Saturday, 29 August.
Video footage showed the aircraft appearing to pass just above the stadium roof as spectators cheered. The flypast was staged before kick-off in the second Test of the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, which South Africa won 33-26.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by Flightradar24 indicated that the lead aircraft reached a lowest recorded ADS-B altitude of 50 feet at standard pressure. After correction for local atmospheric pressure, the aircraft was estimated to have been between 205 and 210 feet above mean sea level.
With the stadium standing about 164 feet high near sea level, Flightradar24 calculated that the aircraft passed roughly 41 to 46 feet above the top of the venue, equivalent to approximately 12.5 to 14 metres.
The unusually low manoeuvre prompted questions on social media and online forums about whether the flight was safe and whether it complied with aviation regulations.
Airlink said the flypast had been carefully planned and rehearsed, and was conducted with guidance and approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services.
“The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal, as it required navigating at low altitude, at around 150 knots,” the airline said in a statement.
Airlink said each aircraft was operated by a crew of three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot and safety or technical officer. It added that recorded flight data showed the aircraft remained within the approved and rehearsed altitude and speed limits for the display.
The airline has been named the official domestic carrier for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, a series involving South Africa and New Zealand teams across South Africa before the final Test in Baltimore, United States, on 12 September. Airlink is also transporting the squads, coaches, management and support staff between venues.
The aircraft used for the display were specially liveried Embraer jets reflecting the colours of the competing teams. Airlink had staged a similar formation flyby over Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 22 August, ahead of the first Test, which New Zealand won 33-16.
South Africa’s victory in Cape Town levelled the four-Test series at one match apiece. The teams are scheduled to meet again at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on 5 September before the concluding Test in Baltimore.
