Airlink Cape Town Stadium flyover now under official review

Airlink has confirmed that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is reviewing flight data from its flyover of the Cape Town Stadium ahead of Saturday’s Springboks versus All Blacks Test.

Two branded Airlink Embraer aircraft – one in black and the other in green and gold – performed a low-altitude flypast over the stadium as the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ match was about to get under way.

The dramatic spectacle quickly attracted attention on social media, with videos showing the one aircraft in particular (the black-coloured one) appearing extremely close to the stadium roof.

Several commentators, including commercial pilots, questioned whether the aircraft had flown dangerously low.

Aircraft flew just metres above stadium roof

Data from flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated just how low one of the aircraft went.

The black Embraer E195 was recorded at an altitude that placed it approximately 12.5 to 14 metres above the stadium roof at one point during the flight.

Flightradar24 said its lowest recorded ADS-B altitude for the aircraft was approximately 50 feet at standard pressure, equivalent to around 205 to 210 feet above mean sea level after correction for the local pressure.

Earlier today, Airlink performed a pre-match flyover at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Our lowest recorded ADS-B altitude was 50 ft at standard pressure, or approximately 205–210 ft AMSL when corrected for the local QNH of 1019 hPa. With DHL Stadium standing about 164 ft tall near sea… pic.twitter.com/vxyxFaNl0w

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) August 29, 2026

With the Cape Town Stadium standing approximately 164 feet above sea level, this placed the aircraft roughly 41 to 46 feet above the roof according to the tracking platform.

The aircraft’s actual altitude above sea level was estimated at around 62 to 64 metres.

The flight nevertheless prompted significant concern because of the extremely limited vertical separation between the aircraft and the stadium.

Airlink says the flight was carefully planned

Airlink has defended the operation, saying the flypast required extensive planning and rehearsal.

“The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal, as it required navigating at low altitude, at around 150 knots,” the airline said in a message sent to The South African.

The carrier also said the aircraft were operated by highly experienced crews, with senior captains in command.

Each aircraft had a co-pilot and technical officer on board in addition to the captain.

Airlink maintained that the flypast was conducted safely and with the involvement of the relevant aviation authorities.

‘Black box’ data handed to SACAA

In its latest statement, Airlink said it had voluntarily provided data from the aircraft’s digital flight data recorders to SACAA.

The airline said the information would allow the aviation authority to independently verify whether the aircraft complied with the authorised parameters for the flypast.

“The data recorded by both aircraft’s digital flight data recorders indicate that the flights were performed within the SACAA’s approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the flypast,” Airlink said.

The SACAA is now reviewing the data.

Airlink said it would refrain from making further comment while that process is under way.

Special authorisation required

Under normal South African Civil Aviation regulations, aircraft are generally required to maintain a minimum altitude of 300 metres over built-up areas and 900 metres over open-air assemblies, such as stadiums.

However, exemptions can be granted by a SACAA commissioner for specific events.

The Airlink flypast would therefore have required specific authorisation to operate at the altitude seen on Saturday.

The airline said both SACAA and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) provided guidance, approval and support to ensure the flypast could take place safely.

The flyover has generated considerable debate among aviation enthusiasts, rugby supporters and pilots.

While Airlink maintains that the operation was authorised and conducted within its approved safety parameters, the striking footage of the aircraft passing only metres above the stadium roof has raised questions about the margin for error.

The SACAA’s review of the flight-recording data should provide a clearer picture of exactly how the aircraft performed and whether the flypast complied with the conditions attached to its authorisation.

For now, Airlink says the recorded data supports its position that the flight was conducted within the approved limits.

The final word, however, is likely to come from the aviation authority.

Were you shocked by how close the aircraft came to the Cape Town Stadium roof?