Two Airlink Embraer jets performed a spectacular flypast over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Saturday, 29 August, ahead of the Springboks–All Blacks rugby Test. Videos (see below) of the flypast quickly went viral, with the aircraft appearing to pass only metres above the stadium roof. While many South African rugby fans praised the spectacle, others […]
Two Airlink Embraer E-Jets performed a risky low-level flyover of Cape Town's DHL Stadium in late-August ahead of a rugby match between South Africa and New Zealand. The maneuver was broadcast live on television and quickly went viral online, with footage appearing to show the lead jet passing barely above the stadium.
On Saturday the 29th of August 2026, South Africa’s Springboks faced off against New Zealand’s All Blacks in the second test of the four-match “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series. The match opening at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium drew international attention last week. Let’s skip to the chase: South Africa won 33-26. But that’s not what made…
On this week’s episode of AvTalk, we discuss the low Airlink flypast in Cape Town, what’s been lost in the discussion so far, and what the South African civil aviation authority has to say about it. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns airlines to avoid Russian airspace as drones play an ever increasing role in the war between Russia and Ukraine. German authorities blame Russia for the recent explosive-laden drone in Leipzig. The FAA is moving to fire a pair of controllers who left the La Guardia tower early on the day of the crash between an Air Canada CRJ and ARFF truck. But the situation isn’t as straightforward as it seems. South Korean officials move to charge seven officials from the transport ministry with falsifying documents after the Jeju Air crash in Muan. And US airlines continue the race to be as premium as possible. Helpful links for this week’s episode * Airlink’s low flypast: video, data, airline statement, South Africa CAA statement * La Guardia Controllers left the tower early * JetBlue’s new first class * American Airlines’ new premium heavy 777-300ER * Chinese airlines swing to losses in the first half of 2026 * Airline Atlas, the new map prints powered by Flightradar24 data Check back soon for a transcript of this week’s episode.
Flightradar24 Blog•Flightradar244 SeptA South African airline was involved in a dramatically low flyby over a packed rugby stadium, earning cheers from the crowd. However, the pre-game stunt sparked discussion about safety. Low-level flyby sparks safety review from the SACAA The Embraer-190 and Embraer-195 jets operated by South African airline Airlink flew over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on […]
Travel Radar•Jinnie Ye3 SeptThe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has removed the authorisation for a 3rd rugby flypast by South African airline Airlink following concerns over last weeks flypast over the DHL Stadium which drew worldwide attention after the aircraft appeared exceedingly low. Following the incident, Airlink issued a statement saying that [read more]
UK Aviation News•Nick Harding3 Sept
Airlink has withdrawn its application to fly a third formation flypast over a South Africa versus New Zealand…
AeroTime•Clement Charpentreau3 SeptCarrier says two-aircraft formation was approved and rehearsed with South African aviation authorities.
AVweb•Matt Ryan31 AugTwo Airlink Embraer E-Jets performed a low formation flypast over DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, prompting…
AeroTime•Gabriele Petrauskaite31 AugTwo Airlink Embraer jets performed a spectacular flypast over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Saturday, 29 August, ahead of the Springboks–All Blacks rugby Test. Videos (see below) of the flypast quickly went viral, with the aircraft appearing to pass only metres above the stadium roof. While many South African rugby fans praised the spectacle, others […]
Aviation24.be•Bart Noëth30 Aug
It's not uncommon to see flyovers at major sporting events, and they can be pretty spectacular to watch. However, a flyover that happened in South Africa yesterday was maybe a little too impressive, to the point that it potentially put a lot of lives at risk. I'm curious what an investigation reveals into who authorized this, and if the plan was actually followed.
One Mile at a Time•Ben Schlappig30 Aug
A pair of Airlink aircraft performed a low flypast in Cape Town. The lead aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the roof of DHL Stadium.
Flightradar24 Blog•Ian Petchenik30 Aug
Flight tracking analysis revealed razor-thin margins between jet altitude readings and the stadium rooftop.
LARA•Matthew Wilson25 AugIn the highly competitive South African market, Airlink faces off against two rivals; an aggressive LCC named Safair and state-owned
Air Insight•Addison Schonland21 Aug
Etihad Airways will open the first airlink between Gothenburg and the UAE with a direct service between Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Abu Dhabi set for 17 December 2026.
AviationSource News•Len Varley18 Aug
LARA•Keith Mwanalushi11 Jun