Airlink Defends DHL Stadium Flyover After 2 Embraer Jets Sparked Aviation Safety Fears
- Two Airlink Embraer E190 jets swept low over Cape Town's DHL Stadium ahead of the Springboks vs All Blacks Test match on 29 August 2026
- Flight data showed the aircraft passed approximately 41–46 feet above the stadium roof, prompting widespread safety concerns on social media
- Airlink confirmed the flyover received approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and was flown by experienced senior captains
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Two Airlink Embraer E190 commercial jets triggered a heated aviation safety debate after flying at extremely low altitude over Cape Town's DHL Stadium during the pre-match ceremony of the Springboks versus All Blacks Test on 29 August 2026.
Source: Facebook
The two aircraft, one painted green to represent South Africa and the other in black for New Zealand, completed a formation flyover above the 55,000-seat venue as part of the pre-game spectacle. Footage circulated rapidly across X, TikTok, and Instagram, with many viewers describing the manoeuvre as reckless and leaving no room for error in the event of a bird strike or technical failure.
How close did the planes get?
Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 provided a detailed breakdown of the aircraft's position, posting on social media:
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
"Our lowest recorded ADS-B altitude was 50 ft at standard pressure, or approximately 205–210 ft AMSL when corrected for the local QNH of 1019 hPa. With DHL Stadium standing about 164 ft tall near sea level, that puts the aircraft roughly 41–46 ft (12.5–14 m) above the top of the stadium."
The jets originated their approach from Robben Island and flew at approximately 150 knots. Broadcast camera angles showed the lead aircraft appearing to climb steeply after clearing the roof structure, a visual that prompted commentators and aviation enthusiasts to label the display "utter madness" and "dangerously low."
Aviation experts cautioned that telephoto lenses commonly used in stadium broadcasts create optical compression, making low-altitude passes appear significantly closer to structures than they are in reality.
Airlink cites SACAA approval and experienced crew
Airlink responded to the mounting criticism with a statement confirming the flyover had been formally sanctioned by aviation authorities. The airline said:
"The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided valuable guidance, approval and support to ensure a safe flyby."
The carrier also confirmed each aircraft was crewed by three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot, and safety and technical officer respectively.
In a follow-up statement, Airlink added:
"The flight data recorded by both aircraft confirms that the flights were performed within the SACAA's approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the flypast."
On social media, the airline framed the display positively, describing it as an exercise in "Planning. Precision. Performance."
Watch the video below:
The flyover formed part of Airlink's role as official sponsor of the Springboks versus All Blacks fixture. South Africa went on to win the match at DHL Stadium.
Springboks fans slam gym video
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks found themselves at the centre of online controversy on Wednesday 26 August 2026 after posting a gym video ahead of their second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
The clip came just days after a bruising 33-16 defeat to New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
