Update: Airlink confirms stadium flyover performed within approved safety limits

Update: 7.30am, Monday, 31 August - Airlink has issued a statement addressing concerns raised on social media about its dramatic flyby over the DHL Stadium ahead of the Springboks match against New Zealand on Saturday. 

In the statement issued on Sunday, Airlink said the flyover required careful planning and rehearsal, with the aircraft travelling at approximately 150 knots, as two Airlink aircraft, one in Springbok green and the other in All Blacks black, delivered a spectacular opening to the match. 

The low-altitude formation flight remained within rehearsed safety limits. It was approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic and Navigation Services, which both provided guidance, approval, and support for the flight, according to the airline.

Each aircraft was operated by three highly experienced senior captains, serving as commander, co-pilot and safety and technical officer. 
Airlink added that flight data recorded by both aircraft confirmed that the formation flyby remained within the altitude and speed limits approved by the SACAA and tested during rehearsals. 

Amidst the reactions to the spectacle flight, many locals have taken to social media to call out the "over-reaction" to aviation safety standards in South Africa. 

WATCH: Incredible Cape Town stadium flyover takes rugby rivalry to new heights

Two Airlink aircraft, one in Springbok green and the other in All Blacks black, delivered a spectacular opening to a world-class sporting occasion in the Mother City.

Cape Town knows how to put on a show! Moments before the Springboks faced New Zealand on Saturday, two Airlink aircraft roared over DHL Stadium in formation as pyrotechnics lit up the roof.

One aircraft wore Springbok green, the other All Blacks black, in a dramatic salute to rugby’s greatest rivalry, opening one of the biggest events on Cape Town’s sporting calendar.

Airlink is the official domestic airline of the tour and is transporting the teams, coaches and support staff between their South African matches. 

The rugby match lived up to the spectacle. The Springboks struck back to beat the All Blacks 33–26 in front of an appreciative crowd of 56,589, levelling the series at one win apiece.  

From the packed stands and unmistakable gees to the stadium production and show-stopping flyover, the afternoon demonstrated Cape Town’s ability to stage sport at a genuinely world-class level. 

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry now moves to Johannesburg for a blockbuster double-header at FNB Stadium on Saturday, September 5. The Springbok Women will face the Black Ferns before the Springboks and All Blacks meet in the third men’s Test.  

The tour concludes with a landmark final Test at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA, on Saturday, September 12. 

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