Airlink defends a passenger-jet flyover that cleared a packed Cape Town stadium by about 50 feet

The stadium was filled with more than 50,000 fans.

The 1995 final was later depicted in the film Invictus.

Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok jersey at that match.

The flyover sparked a major debate over safety risks.

The jets were not carrying any passengers.

Airlink is a sponsor of the South Africa rugby union team.

Airlink also operated a flyover for the first Test on August 22.

Footage appeared to show the lead aircraft coming closest to the stadium.

The Athletic contacted DHL Stadium officials for comment.

New Zealand won the first match 33-16.

Airlink flew a similar formation pass over Ellis Park in Johannesburg one week earlier.

Airlink has not publicly disclosed the minimum altitude SACAA authorized.

Airlink provided flight-recorder data to SACAA for an independent review of compliance.

The lead aircraft pitched up over the last stand, dropping its tail close to the roofline with the second jet close behind.

ZS-YDE left Cape Town International around 2:10 p.m. local time, followed minutes later by ZS-YAE.

The same stadium hosted a Qatar Airways 777-300 flyover on June 28, 2025.

ZS-YAE was repainted at Polokwane over 29 days with about 60 liters of paint.

Airlink operates an all-Embraer fleet of over 70 aircraft.

Airlink serves more than 45 destinations in southern and eastern Africa.

Commercial-jet flyovers are rarer than military or display-team passes.

In June a converted 777 freighter made a low pass over Horseshoe Bay Resort Jet Center in Texas, with footage showing a wingtip within inches of the ground.

In April an Icelandair 757-200 with passengers made a low pass at about 328 feet on a captain's retirement flight.

Iceland's Transport Authority found both Icelandair pilots negligent, and the captain was later reported to police.

The Citizen said two Airlink Embraer 190 jets performed the flyover.

The flyover sparked a global safety debate, with critics warning of risk.

Civil Aviation regulations specify a minimum of 1,000 feet over built-up areas and 3,000 feet over open-air assemblies.

Videos of the flyover went viral on social media.

SACAA was sent questions but had not replied by publication.

Many South Africans responded to criticism from abroad.

In a formal air show, an air boss on the ground controls all aircraft and performances.

Air-show rules normally keep aircraft from crossing a marked show line away from the audience.

Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson was at the stadium and backed Airlink.

South Africans flooded comment sections defending Airlink.

The Springboks faced New Zealand on 29 August.

Some camera angles made the lead jet appear almost level with the roof.

The estimate adjusted reported barometric altitude for local pressure and compared it with the stadium height.

The data does not support claims that either aircraft was on course to strike the building.

Airlink has not said whether anyone besides the flight crews was aboard.

The flyover took place before 56,589 spectators.

The regulator has not independently published the flight permit or its conditions.

Questions remain about pyrotechnics coordination and the minimum clearance in the approval.

Airlink's statement presents the flyover as an authorised operation, not a rogue flight.

Both Embraer models are normally used for scheduled passenger services, unlike military jets.

South Africa defeated New Zealand in 1995 to win its first Rugby World Cup.