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

A South African airline has responded to criticism over a daring stunt involving its aircraft flying low over a packed stadium. The jets, bound for a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand, performed the maneuver over Cape Town's DHL Stadium, drawing both praise and concern from spectators. Airlink, the airline in question, defended the stunt, stating it was carefully planned in collaboration with aviation authorities.

The planes, one green and one black, flew within 50 feet of the stadium roof before the match. The airline emphasized that the flights were conducted by highly experienced crews adhering to approved safety altitude and speed limits. Airlink's statement was echoed in social media, where the airline highlighted the "planning, precision, and performance" of the operation.

Despite the controversy, many South Africans expressed national pride, citing the country's reputation for having some of the best pilots in the world. This low-altitude flyby has become a tradition ahead of significant matches in South Africa, with the most notable instance occurring during the 1995 rugby World Cup final, which was commemorated in the film Invictus.