South African aviation authorities are currently examining a low-altitude flyby conducted by two Airlink passenger jets before a rugby match at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium due to safety concerns. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has gathered flight data recordings and requested further details from Airlink for evaluation. A comprehensive report with recommendations will be released upon completion of the assessment.
Following the flyover at the Springboks-All Blacks rugby match on Aug. 29, which elicited cheers from a crowd of approximately 56,000, concerns arose regarding safety risks after videos taken by spectators went viral online. Deandra Peters, a 25-year-old pilot and aviation enthusiast attending her first live rugby game, described the electrifying atmosphere inside the stadium, emphasizing the unique experience of being among passionate Springbok supporters.
Airlink has decided not to proceed with another flyover at the upcoming rugby match in Soweto, as confirmed by SACAA. The airline emphasized that the initial flyby was meticulously planned and rehearsed with safety as the top priority, having three senior captains on each aircraft with a cumulative flight experience exceeding 75,000 hours.
Acknowledging the mixed reactions generated by the event, Airlink’s CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, stated that their intention was not to overshadow the rugby match but to deliver a memorable moment. The airline had applied for three flyovers, with the most recent one in Cape Town being the second, following a prior flyover in Johannesburg on Aug. 22. Both flyovers were approved in compliance with special air event regulations.
In response to unfavorable weather conditions, Airlink has retracted its application for a scheduled flyover on Sept. 5 at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium. SACAA confirmed the withdrawal of the application, citing safety concerns. The tradition of stadium flybys at significant South African rugby matches dates back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, with last Saturday’s flyby gaining international attention for its remarkable low-altitude display.
