Airlink says the DHL Stadium flyover was planned with aviation authorities and stayed within approved limits, after online videos prompted safety concerns.
Airlink says its formation flyover above Cape Townâ€s DHL Stadium was planned with aviation authorities and remained within approved speed and altitude limits, after videos of the display prompted safety questions online.
Two Airlink passenger jets crossed above the stadium before Saturdayâ€s Test between the Springboks and All Blacks. The aircraft wore special green and black liveries linked to the rugby series.
In a statement reported by SABC News, the airline said the manoeuvre required detailed planning and rehearsal. It said the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic and Navigation Services provided guidance, approval and operational support.
Airlink also said flight-data records showed that the aircraft followed the planned parameters. The airlineâ€s account is its response to the public concerns; EBNewsDaily has not independently reviewed the flight records or an aviation regulatorâ€s approval documents.
Video recorded from inside and around the stadium made the aircraft appear unusually close to the roof line. Camera position and lens compression can distort apparent height and distance, but the footage was enough to trigger questions from aviation watchers and rugby supporters about the margin between the jets and the venue.
The airline has not suggested that an emergency occurred. It said experienced flight crews were used and that the display was conducted according to a rehearsed plan.
The flyover formed part of Airlinkâ€s sponsorship of the Springboks–All Blacks series. An earlier official Airlink notice identified the two aircraft used for a Johannesburg display as Embraer E190 and E195 jets carrying the competing teams†colours. The carrier is transporting players and officials between the South African fixtures.
Airlinkâ€s statement addresses the central claims circulating online, but an independent safety assessment would require the regulator or air-navigation service to confirm the authorised route, minimum height and any operating conditions.
No verified evidence reviewed by EBNewsDaily establishes that the pilots deviated from an approved flight plan. Unverified estimates of the aircraftâ€s height circulating on social media have therefore not been presented as fact.
The rugby Test ended with South Africa beating New Zealand 33–26. The next menâ€s match in the series is scheduled for Johannesburg, where pre-match aviation displays will again attract close attention after the Cape Town debate.
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