Airlink says it has volunteered black-box data to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) so it can independently review and verify that Saturday’s DHL Stadium fly-over was in accordance with the flight authorisation.
In a new statement, Airlink said it had offered the data on its own initiative.
The airline said while it appreciates the interest and concern, it will refrain from making any further comments while the SACAA reviews the flight data.
The jaw-dropping flyby, which has gone viral around the world, has been labelled reckless and dangerous by some commentators, while others said it demonstrated South African aviation excellence and the depth of local pilot expertise.
Airlink had previously said the flyby was the result of meticulous planning and rehearsals.
It said the SACAA and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) provided guidance, approval and support to ensure the flyby was conducted safely.
The airline said 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.
Meanwhile, reaction to the flyby continues to pour in on social media, especially as South Africans defend Airlink and point out that this is South African tradition.
I posted yesterday about the Airlink flypast in Cape Town and like many professional pilots, I was aghast.
The reaction to this flypast has been fascinating.
For some, it was spectacular. A moment of national pride, flown by experienced South African aviators and apparently… pic.twitter.com/sN1MLIYpsj
— Scott Bateman MBE (@scottiebateman) August 30, 2026
You don’t get to label “this wasn’t properly executed” a true statement simply because the video frightened you. Airlink says the flight-recorder data matched the planned and approved profile. Unless you have contrary data, your red crosses are feelings dressed up as findings.
— Roland Schoeman (@Rolandschoeman) August 30, 2026
Reputation of Airlink celebrating reckless endangerment is in the gutter. Heads are going to roll https://t.co/FrOcq9M9tx
— Kerm (@_Kermit55) August 30, 2026
Why a people,especially SOME Americans are so pissed about this display?Like for real????
Well done #Airlink
Well done to the Pilots
Well done #Springboks
Well done South Africa pic.twitter.com/W6fjlcF9Ym— The Real KING OF THE JUNGLE (@EdwardthembaSa) August 30, 2026
The viral incident has also sparked several memes, with South African comedians getting in on the action:
Training for Airlink flyover at FNB Stadium on Saturday. ❤️🇿🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/xMDavAq1M1
— Rory Petzer (@RoryPetzer) August 31, 2026
Airlink already planning the next flyover 🇿🇦✈️🎉🔥🏉 pic.twitter.com/rmMGFtPat9
— Sitdown Comedian (@BouwerBosch) August 30, 2026
