{
  "id": 4440101,
  "title": "'Give that pilot a Bells': Mzansi reacts to Airlink’s low DHL Stadium fly-past",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/give-that-pilot-a-bells-mzansi-reacts-to-airlinks-low-dhl-stadium-fly",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T14:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-08-30-give-that-pilot-a-bells-mzansi-reacts-to-airlinks-low-dhl-stadium-fly-past/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mzansi's reaction to the Airlink fly-past during the Springboks match against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium has been a mixed one. While some expressed concern over the planes flying dangerously low, others praised the pilots for their skill. The fly-by, part of the build-up to the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series, saw the aircraft pass less than 50 feet above the stadium roof. International media dubbed it a \"spectacular pre-game flyover\" and an \"astonishing sight.\" However, some aviation experts argued that the distance between the planes and the stadium posed a significant safety risk. Despite the controversy, Airlink defended the operation, stating that the fly-by was conducted within safety altitude and speed limits, approved and rehearsed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.",
  "summary": "Airlink’s low fly-past over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium during the Springboks’ Test against New Zealand prompted safety concerns from some viewers, while others praised the pilots’ precision.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "Airlink defends Springboks formation flyover over DHL Stadium",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/airlink-defends-springboks-formation-flyover-over-dhl-stadium",
        "published": "2026-08-30T10:47:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Airlink says DHL Stadium flyby stayed within approved safety limits",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/airlink-says-dhl-stadium-flyby-stayed-within-approved-safety-limits",
        "published": "2026-08-30T11:45:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}