In brief
South African airline Airlink has defended a controversial low‑altitude flyover that saw two of its jets fly within 15 metres of Cape Town’s DHL Stadium roof before a rugby match. The airline claims the maneuver was carefully planned, rehearsed and carried out under the oversight of the South African Civil Aviation Authority. While critics warned of the risks of such a stunt over a packed stadium, many fans hailed it as a showcase of piloting skill. Historical precedents, including an iconic 1995 fly‑by during the Rugby World Cup, add context to the event.
Airlink, South Africa’s regional airline, has defended its controversial low‑altitude flyover over the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, a stunt performed just before a rugby clash between South Africa and New Zealand.
The jets flew in a tight formation, reportedly passing within 15 metres of the stadium’s roof, while flares rose and the crowd cheered.
Airlink spokespersons stressed that the manoeuvre was fully planned, rehearsed and conducted with the authority of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
“The two aircraft were flown by highly experienced crews and operated within approved safety altitude and speed limits,” the airline said in a statement echoed on a government news site.
Observers noted the risk of a potential incident, yet many South Africans celebrated the stunt as a testament to the skill of the airline’s pilots.
Airlines have a history of fly‑bys at sporting events; the most famous was a South African Airways jet over Johannesburg in 1995, a moment immortalised in the film Invictus.
For more details, see the Flightradar24 analysis that estimated the lead aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the stadium roof.
