South African airline defends low-altitude aerial stunt over packed stadium

A South African airline defended itself against criticism following a dramatic stunt where two of its aircraft performed a low-altitude flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium. The jets, filled with over 50,000 fans, were reportedly within feet of the top of the stadium before the start of a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand.

While some labelled the maneuver reckless, others praised the precision and expertise required. Airlink, the airline, said the stunt was carefully planned with the support of aviation authorities, involving highly experienced crews and adhering to approved safety altitude and speed limits. The flight tracking website Flightradar24 confirmed that the lead aircraft passed less than 50 feet (15 metres) above the top of the stadium.

Questions over the risk and potential for disaster have been raised, but many South Africans expressed national pride, acknowledging the country's skilled pilots. This low-altitude flyby has become a feature preceding significant matches in South Africa, notably during the 1995 rugby World Cup final at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park stadium.