‘We never intended to become the news’ | Airlink pulls FNB flyby amid SACAA probe

Airlink has cancelled its planned formation fly-by over FNB Stadium, citing unfavourable weather conditions and the need for safety to take precedence over the spectacle, as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) probes the controversial flyby over DHL Stadium ahead of the Springboks-All Blacks Test on August 29. Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht expressed gratitude for public enthusiasm surrounding the flyby, but stressed that the airline never intended to overshadow the rugby match.

The airline voluntarily provided its digital flight data recordings to SACAA to aid the regulator's compliance review. SACAA has requested additional information from Airlink and will issue a full report and recommendations once its assessment is complete. Airlink's application for another fly-by at FNB Stadium this weekend has also been withdrawn due to unsuitable weather conditions, according to Engelbrecht, who apologised to fans.

The regulator examined the Cape Town operation, which was approved after completing a simulator practice flight and safety briefing. Airlink's digital flight data recorders capture over 1,000 parameters, providing a detailed flight record, but SACAA's assessment may take time to produce conclusions. The airline will continue to cooperate with the regulator's investigation.