Springboks vs All Blacks Flyover Now Under Official Review After Airlink Spectacle
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- The dramatic Springboks vs All Blacks flyover has taken a new turn after flight data was handed to aviation authorities
- Flightradar24 data suggests one Airlink aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the DHL Stadium roof
- Airlink maintains the flyover was carefully planned and carried out within approved safety limits
Source: Facebook
What began as a pre-match spectacle before the Springboks faced the All Blacks is now under official review, with Airlink confirming that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is examining flight data from the flyover.
The 2 Airlink aircraft flew over DHL Stadium shortly before kick-off on Saturday, 29 August 2026, ahead of the second Test in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series. Flightradar24 reported that its data indicated the lead aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the stadium roof.
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The flyover attracted widespread attention after footage appeared to show the aircraft extremely close to the stadium.
Airlink has defended the operation, saying it involved extensive preparation and rehearsal.
According to Airlink, the flight required careful planning because the aircraft were operating at low altitude and around 150 knots. The airline also said experienced crews were involved and that the operation had regulatory guidance and approval.
Airlink has provided digital flight-recorder data to SACAA, allowing the authority to assess the flight against the approved parameters.
Below is a video of the flyover posted by Airlink on its official X account:
What the SACAA review could reveal
Flightradar24's analysis placed the aircraft's clearance at less than 50 feet, but the platform also explained that calculating the exact height above the stadium involves pressure, elevation and structural-height measurements.
SACAA's review should therefore provide the clearest assessment of whether the aircraft complied with the conditions attached to the authorised flyover.
Airlink has indicated that it will not comment further while the review continues.
The development comes after the Springboks beat the All Blacks 33–26, levelling the series at 1–1.
Bouwer Bosch pokes fun at Springboks flyover
Briefly News previously reported that comedian Bouwer Bosch has turned the Airlink flyover into comedy, using a fictional pilot to imagine what the airline could do for its next Springboks match appearance.
The TikTok skit shows Bosch delivering a series of increasingly outrageous suggestions, with viewers joining in the joke in the comments.
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Source: Briefly News
