Dramatically low flyby by passenger jets over packed South African stadium sparks safety debate
Summary
Two passenger jets flew very low over Cape Town Stadium in South Africa before a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand, thrilling the crowd but raising safety concerns. The jets were operated by Airlink, followed all safety rules, and had senior pilots on board, but some experts questioned the low altitude.Key Facts
- Two Embraer jets flew low over DHL Stadium in Cape Town on August 29, 2026, before a rugby game.
- The lead jet passed about 41 to 46 feet (12 to 14 meters) above the stadium roof.
- The jets flew at about 150 knots (172 mph) without carrying any passengers.
- Airlink, the airline operating the jets and rugby sponsor, said the flyby was carefully planned and followed safety rules.
- The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services approved and supported the flyby.
- The flyby formed part of the pregame show for the match between the South African Springboks and New Zealand All Blacks.
- Some aviation experts said the low altitude allowed little room for error in case of problems.
- Stadium flybys have a tradition in South African rugby, dating back to a Boeing 747 flyover in 1995.
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