South Africa aviation regulator probes low jet flypast over Cape Town stadium

The South African airline behind a daring stunt of two planes flying low over a packed stadium for a rugby match has cancelled a similar operation this weekend. Airlink revealed it had pulled out of its application for the display intended to precede South Africa’s rugby game against New Zealand in Johannesburg. The airline cited a poor weather forecast as the reason for its decision.

The stunt had sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as reckless and others praising its precision and expertise. South Africa’s aviation regulator stated that while it approved the application for the flyby, it was now reviewing the operation after media discussions. Footage of the prior weekend’s air show, broadcast globally, depicted the jets flying just 50 feet above the stadium’s roof, accompanied by colored flare smoke.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) disclosed that it initiated compliance verifications and engaged the operator, obtaining Flight Data Recording downloads and other requirements following media discussions. Airlink further confirmed the planned flyby for the upcoming weekend would not take place due to unfavorable weather conditions for a safe formation flyby.

The airline CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht, mentioned that the last weekend’s flights were executed at approved safety altitude and speed limits by a highly skilled crew. Airlink volunteered to provide the aircraft’s digital flight data recordings due to the significant public interest in the flyby, expressing gratitude for the enthusiastic response while acknowledging the valid questions and concerns raised.

The airline emphasized it never intended to overshadow the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. This event, a regular feature at major sporting and presidential events in South Africa, has previously involved both military jets and commercial airlines.