Airlink has defended a low-altitude flyover that sent two jets screaming just feet above a packed Cape Town stadium, calling the display “spectacular scenes” despite social media backlash branding the stunt dangerous and unnecessary.
The South African airline, an official partner of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, sent an Embraer E190 and an Embraer E195 over DHL Stadium on Saturday ahead of the Springboks’ clash with New Zealand’s All Blacks. The stadium seats 55,000 people and was filled to capacity for the match.
Multiple clips posted online show the green-and-black painted aircraft at altitudes estimated between 41 and 46 feet, with one angle appearing to capture the jets coming within close proximity to the stadium roof. Pyrotechnics erupted as the planes passed overhead, and crowd noise captured in the footage shows spectators cheering loudly throughout the maneuver.
Social media reaction turned sharply critical once the videos spread. Users labeled the flyover “dangerous” and “unnecessary,” with some warning that a “major disaster” could have unfolded and that “lives were put at risk.” There was never any indication that spectators were actually put in danger during the display.
Airlink pushed back against the criticism through a statement reported. The company claimed both aircraft flew within “approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits” during Saturday’s event.
Low-altitude flyovers have become embedded in South African rugby culture over decades. The tradition stretches back to at least the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, and significant matches in the country regularly feature similar pre-game aerial displays.
Saturday’s contest concluded with South Africa defeating New Zealand 33-26. The result denied the All Blacks a place in rugby history; a victory would have made them the first New Zealand side to win back-to-back Tests in South Africa since 1996.
The eight-part Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour continues Saturday in Soweto, Johannesburg, for the third Test between the two nations. It marks the first tour of its kind in 30 years. The series finale will take place September 12 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, with the tour returning in 2030 hosted by New Zealand.