Airlink has responded to concerns raised online and by international media following Saturday’s dramatic formation flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.
The flyover quickly made global headlines, with some social media users and news outlets expressing shock at how low the two aircraft appeared to be flying.
Jets leave onlookers horified as they nearly hit roof of South African stadium during pre-game flyover: ‘Could’ve been catastrophic’ https://t.co/VCxcMrkaIR pic.twitter.com/BfERDJx0Kj
— New York Post (@nypost) August 29, 2026
Someone is about to lose their licence, and 55,000 people were lucky they didn’t lose a lot more. pic.twitter.com/eJrUSB2FNg
— Greg Bagwell (@gregbagwell) August 29, 2026
Some international reports described the flyby as dangerous and suggested the aircraft came perilously close to the stadium.
Airlink, however, says the flight was carefully planned and rehearsed, with the aircraft operating at low altitude and at around 150 knots.
Airlink statement on the flyby at Cape Town DHL Stadiumhttps://t.co/q2uRulGAhF#ArriveAlive #Flyby @Fly_Airlink @Springboks @AllBlacks @RugbyFifteen @Dotransport pic.twitter.com/iO3VbrTaS5
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 30, 2026
The airline says the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) provided guidance, approval and support to ensure the flyby was conducted safely.
The two aircraft were flown by highly experienced crews, with each aircraft carrying three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer.
Airlink says flight data recorded by both aircraft confirms that the flyby was conducted within the SACAA-approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits.
The airline’s response comes after footage of the flyby went viral, prompting widespread debate over just how close the aircraft appeared to be to the stadium.
While international media played up the perceived danger of the flyover, South Africans took a different view, pointing out the exceptional pilots that we have in this country.
South Africa’s airlines are the best in the world. So are our pilots. I fly domestically in South Africa almost every week and a few times a year on domestic flights in the USA and Europe. It is much more enjoyable, comfortable and safer on domestic SA flights. The mere fact that… https://t.co/DkvpNPqdKY
— Jaco Kleynhans (@JacoKleynhans) August 30, 2026
South Africa’s airlines are the best in the world. So are our pilots. I fly domestically in South Africa almost every week and a few times a year on domestic flights in the USA and Europe. It is much more enjoyable, comfortable and safer on domestic SA flights. The mere fact that… https://t.co/DkvpNPqdKY
— Jaco Kleynhans (@JacoKleynhans) August 30, 2026
