South African Airline Defends Controversial Low Flyover Before Rugby Test
Associated Press
South African airline Airlink has defended a dramatic low flyover by two passenger jets before a rugby Test in Cape Town, which thrilled fans but raised safety concerns. The airline says the flight was carefully planned and approved by authorities.
A spectacular low flyover by two passenger jets ahead of a rugby Test match in Cape Town drew cheers from roughly 56,000 spectators at the stadium, but it also ignited a fierce debate over safety risks.
The event took place on Saturday before the Test series clash between South Africa and New Zealand in Cape Town. Two Embraer aircraft operated by domestic carrier Airlink flew over Cape Town Stadium at very low altitude, delighting fans and players alike.
According to flight tracking service Flightradar24, the lead aircraft passed just 12 to 14 meters above the stadium roof, while the second jet followed closely behind, cutting through a plume of pink dust kicked up from the roof during the display.
Airlink, a sponsor of the South African rugby team, insisted the flyover complied with all safety regulations. The airline said the flight was carefully planned and rehearsed, with the aircraft traveling at about 150 knots when passing over the stadium. Each plane carried three seasoned captains—serving as commander, co-pilot, and safety officer—and no passengers were onboard.
In a response on social media, Airlink stated: “Airlink acknowledges the concerns expressed on social media platforms and online forums regarding yesterday's formation flight over the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. The flight required careful planning and rehearsal, as it involved navigating at low altitude at approximately 150 knots. The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Control Services provided valuable guidance, approvals, and support to ensure safety.”
The tradition of low flyovers at South African rugby stadiums dates back decades, beginning when a Boeing 747 flew over a Johannesburg stadium before the 1995 World Cup final between these same two teams. However, this weekend’s display was especially low and striking, drawing global attention after being shown during the pre-match broadcast.
Some aviation experts questioned the narrow safety margins. Chris Martinus, president of the South African Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, commented: “The lead aircraft virtually skimmed the roof, climbing on one side, then descending and climbing on the other. That made me a bit uncomfortable. If something adverse happens, at that altitude you don’t have many options.”
Keith Tonkin, an Australian aviation consultant and former military and commercial pilot, said the Embraer jets—small to medium-sized regional airliners—were not designed for such low-altitude maneuvers and warned of a dangerous precedent.
“The bigger issue is that a standard has been set, and others may want to do the same thing, and that will not end well,” Tonkin said, noting that turbulence or bird strikes at such low altitude could leave pilots without enough room to recover without hitting the stadium.
Airlink maintained that flight data recorded from both aircraft showed they operated within civil aviation safety limits for speed and altitude.
