South African airline defends low-altitude aerial stunt over packed stadium
Summary
A South African airline flew two jets very close together at low height over a packed stadium before a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand. The airline said the stunt was carefully planned and done with experienced pilots, following safety rules, despite some people calling it risky.Key Facts
- Two Airlink planes flew in close formation over Cape Town’s DHL stadium before the rugby match.
- The jets flew less than 50 feet (15 meters) above the stadium roof, according to flight tracking data.
- The stunt used flares and was meant as part of the pre-game event.
- Airlink said the flight was planned with aviation authorities’ approval and followed safety speed and altitude limits.
- Each plane was operated by three senior captains to ensure safety and precision.
- Some people criticized the low flyover as dangerous, while others praised the pilots’ skill and saw it as a point of national pride.
- Low-altitude flybys have been part of South African sports tradition since at least 1995.
- The historical 1995 flyover linked with South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela and was symbolic of unity after apartheid.
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