The decision follows an investigation by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) into last Saturday’s spectacle, which saw two Airlink aircraft fly in close formation over a packed stadium in Cape Town ahead of a rugby Test between South Africa and New Zealand.
The dramatic manoeuvre quickly divided public opinion, with some observers describing the display as reckless because of the aircraft’s proximity to the stadium, while others praised the pilots’ precision and skill.
SACAA said it had initially approved Airlink’s applications and the safety measures submitted for the flyby. However, the regulator said it had decided to conduct further analysis following what it described as “discussions in the media”.
Airlink had been scheduled to conduct a similar display on Saturday over a stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, where the Springboks and All Blacks are due to meet in the third and deciding Test.
According to SACAA, that operation will no longer take place.
Airlink has not publicly commented on the reported cancellation.
Aircraft Flew Less Than 50ft Above Stadium
Footage of last weekend’s flyby at DHL Stadium in Cape Town was widely circulated online, drawing international attention to the unusual spectacle.
Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said its analysis indicated that the lead aircraft passed less than 50ft (15m) above the top of the stadium.
From several vantage points, the aircraft appeared to pass extremely close to the stadium roof as they roared overhead through clouds of coloured flare smoke.
The striking images prompted questions about how such a manoeuvre could be conducted safely over a venue filled with thousands of spectators.
Airlink, however, defended the operation, saying the flights had been carried out within the parameters approved by the relevant authorities.
The airline said the aircraft were operated according to the “approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the flypast” and that the manoeuvre was conducted by a “highly experienced crew”.
SACAA Seeks Further Flight Data
Although the regulator said Airlink had followed the required procedures in obtaining approval for the Cape Town flyby, it has now requested additional information as part of its review.
SACAA said it had “obtained the flight data recording downloads as well as other additional requirements” for further analysis.
The regulator stressed that aviation safety remained its overriding priority as it examined the circumstances surrounding the flight.
“SACAA, as the safety net of the South African skies, gives the public the assurance that aviation safety and security compliance will always remain paramount and is not negotiable,” it said.
The authority also highlighted South Africa’s strong aviation safety record while emphasising that compliance with established safety requirements would continue to be closely monitored.
Flybys Common at Major South African Events
Stadium flybys have become a familiar feature at major sporting occasions and presidential events in South Africa.
Both military aircraft and commercial airliners have been used for such displays over the years, often forming part of opening ceremonies or national celebrations.
However, the unusually low and visually dramatic nature of last weekend’s Airlink operation has placed renewed attention on the safety requirements governing such flights.
With the Soweto flyby now reportedly cancelled, SACAA’s ongoing assessment could determine whether additional scrutiny or changes are required for similar displays in the future.