South Africa aviation regulator probes low jet flypast over Cape Town stadium
Summary
South Africa’s aviation regulator is investigating a low jet flypast by two Airlink passenger planes over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium before a rugby match. The regulator is reviewing flight data to check if there were any safety issues and Airlink has canceled a planned flyover at another upcoming match.Key Facts
- Two Airlink passenger jets flew low over DHL Stadium in Cape Town before a rugby match on August 29, 2026.
- The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is reviewing flight recordings and other information to assess safety.
- Airlink withdrew plans for a similar flyover at a rugby game in Soweto planned for September 1 due to poor weather forecasts.
- The flyover was part of three approved special air events, with the first taking place on August 22 in Johannesburg.
- The flyover drew cheers from about 56,000 spectators but raised safety concerns online and among aviation experts.
- Airlink said the flyover was carefully planned, with experienced senior captains flying each plane.
- The SACAA will release a full report and recommendations after completing its review.
- Stadium flybys in South African rugby have a tradition going back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.
