South African aviation authorities are currently examining a low-altitude flyover conducted by two Airlink passenger jets before a rugby match at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium due to safety concerns. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has collected flight data recordings and requested further information from Airlink for evaluation. A comprehensive report with recommendations will be released upon completion of the assessment.

Following the flyover at the Springboks-All Blacks rugby match on Aug. 29, which garnered enthusiastic cheers from a crowd of approximately 56,000 spectators, Airlink has shelved plans for another flyover at an upcoming rugby match in Soweto. The SACAA, responsible for overseeing aviation safety and security, confirmed this decision.

Deandra Peters, a 25-year-old pilot and aviation enthusiast attending her first live rugby event, described the electrifying atmosphere within the stadium during the flyover. Airlink emphasized that the maneuver was meticulously planned and rehearsed, prioritizing safety throughout. The airline disclosed that each aircraft had three senior captains with over 75,000 combined flight hours across the crews.

Acknowledging the attention generated by the spectacle, Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht stated that the airline did not intend to overshadow the rugby event. The SACAA will review the flight data to address any safety concerns raised by the incident. Airlink has withdrawn its application for a scheduled flyover at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Sept. 5 due to unfavorable weather conditions. This decision was confirmed by the SACAA.

Stadium flybys at major rugby matches have been a longstanding tradition in South African rugby, with the recent flyover drawing international interest for its unusual low altitude and dramatic nature.