‘Terrifying…horrifying’: Airlink’s CPT stadium flyover makes international headines

Airlink’s flyover of the DHL Stadium in Cape Town over the weekend has made international headlines, with many media houses labelling it “terrifying” and “dangerous”.

The pre-match stunt, which took place ahead of the Springboks game against the All Blacks, came a week after a similar one at Ellis Park.

The airline has responded to criticism, emphasising that the flight was “carefully planned and rehearsed”

AIRLINK’S CAPE TOWN STADIUM FLYOVER MAKES INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

In the wake of the Springboks 33-26 defeat of the All Blacks 33-26, all eyes have been on Airlink’s flyover of the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

While local publications have notably praised the stunt, international media houses have criticised the pilots’ actions.

UK media house, Daily Mail, ran the story with a headline: “Terrifying moment jets appears to skim the roof of packed sports stadium during pre-game flyover”

Sky Sports shared: “Two planes were involved in a very close call doing a flyover before South Africa faced New Zealand in Cape Town ✈️”

The US’s New York Post’s story: “Jets leave onlookers horrified as they nearly hit roof of South African stadium during pre-game flyover: ‘Could’ve been catastrophic’”

Australia’s News.com.au posted: “Staggering details of horrifying flight revealed”

9 News claimed: “Two passenger jets have left spectators shocked in South Africa, barely missing the stadium roof in a stunning flyover.

Some media houses even quoted “aviation experts” who had “called for an investigation”.

NO HISTORY OF AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS

Meanwhile, Airlink has set the record straight on the backlash to the flyover, revealing that the stunt had come with “careful planning and rehearsal” and “experienced pilots”.

The official account of Globa Statistics Wire also shared: “The South African Civil Aviation Authority reports 40 years of zero commercial airline fatal accidents. With an ICAO safety compliance score of 95.12%, SA ranks 1st in Africa and 8th globally, ahead of the USA, proving its airline infrastructure rivals the world’s most advanced networks”.

The 🇿🇦 South African Civil Aviation Authority reports 40 years of zero commercial airline fatal accidents. With an ICAO safety compliance score of 95.12%, SA ranks 1st in Africa and 8th globally ahead of the USA, proving its airline infrastructure rivals the world's most advanced… pic.twitter.com/hxzXemsO1R

— Global Statistics Wire (@stats_wire) August 30, 2026