Airlink jets skim within meters of packed Cape Town stadium during rugby match
Two Airlink regional jets flew just tens of feet above the DHL Stadium in Cape Town as a rugby game between South Africa and New Zealand unfolded, prompting widespread criticism.
Spectators at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town were stunned on Saturday when two Airlink regional jets swooped low over the venue during a South Africa-New Zealand rugby match, which South Africa won. The aircraft passed within roughly 50 feet of the 56,589 fans, with one jet cutting through fireworks launched from the ground. Critics called the stunt “insanely dangerous” and warned that such low-altitude passes endanger large crowds.
Despite the backlash, Airlink highlighted the episode on its social channels, describing it as a showcase of “precision” flying. No disciplinary action against the pilots has been reported. The incident has sparked a debate over aviation safety at major sporting events.
Why it matters
It raises safety concerns about low-altitude flights over densely packed public events.
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