South African Aviation Authority Opens Investigation After Airlink Jets Fly Low Over Cape Town Rugby Stadium
During a Springboks versus All Blacks rugby match at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, two Airlink Embraer E‑Jets passed just above the roof and within roughly 50 feet of the packed crowd, with one aircraft cutting through fireworks launched from the ground. Critics described the stunt as "insanely dangerous" while the airline highlighted the episode on its social channels as a showcase of precision flying. The South African Civil Aviation Authority issued a statement that it will investigate the event to determine whether any aviation safety regulations were breached.
Airlink had previously announced a comparable flyover for a match in Soweto but later withdrew that plan. No disciplinary action against the pilots has been reported.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about the safety of low‑altitude flights over densely populated public events.
How this story developed
- Aug 30 Airlink jets skim within meters of packed Cape Town stadium during rugby match
- Sep 4 The civil aviation authority announced it will investigate the low‑altitude flyover for possible regulatory breaches.
