Two Airlink jets passed less than 50 feet above the roof of a packed South African stadium during a carefully rehearsed flyover that sparked an international debate about aviation safety.
The Embraer E195 and smaller E190 flew over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium shortly before the Springboks faced New Zealand on 29 August.
Viral footage showed the two aircraft approaching in formation as pyrotechnic smoke rose from the stadium. Some camera angles made the lead jet appear almost level with the roof.
However, Airlink said the flyover had been approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic and Navigation Services.
“*The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal*,” the airline said in a statement issued on 30 August.
Airlink added that recorded flight data showed both aircraft remained within their approved altitude and speed limits.
**DON'T MISS THIS: ****African airlines record fastest global passenger growth with trade routes to Asia, Europe, and Middle East**
**New data reveals the distance from the roof**
Flightradar24 calculated that the lead aircraft cleared the stadium roof by approximately 41 to 46 feet, equivalent to about 12.5 to 14 metres.
That estimate was produced by adjusting the aircraft’s reported barometric altitude for local air pressure and comparing it with the stadium’s height.
The lowest recorded standard-pressure altitude was 50 feet. After adjustment, Flightradar24 placed the aircraft at approximately 205 to 210 feet above sea level.
DHL Stadium stands close to sea level and its roof is approximately 164 feet high.
The data consequently supports the impression that the flyover was exceptionally low, but not claims that either aircraft was on course to strike the building.
Airlink said the formation travelled at approximately 150 knots, or 278 kilometres per hour.
**DON'T MISS THIS: ****10 best international airports in Africa according to latest ranking**
The lead aircraft was an Embraer E195 registered as ZS-YDE. It was followed by an Embraer E190 registered as ZS-YAE.
Each aircraft was operated by three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot and safety or technical officer.
Airlink has not said whether passengers, company employees or guests other than the flight crews were aboard.
**A packed stadium and a historic tradition**
The flyover took place before 56,589 spectators. South Africa subsequently defeated New Zealand 33–26, levelling their four-match series.
Airlink is the official domestic airline for the tour and is responsible for transporting the teams, coaches and support personnel between South African match venues.
Low-level passenger-aircraft flyovers have a distinctive place in South African rugby history.
Before the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, a South African Airways Boeing 747 flew above a packed Ellis Park with “*Good Luck Bokke*” displayed beneath it. South Africa defeated New Zealand in that match to win its first Rugby World Cup.
**DON'T MISS THIS: **South Africa plans to roll out its first EVs in 2026
The latest performance revived that spectacle using two smaller regional aircraft. Unlike military jets, both Embraer models are normally used for scheduled passenger services.
Questions remain about how the pyrotechnics were coordinated with the aircraft and the minimum clearance specified in the aviation authority’s approval.
The regulator has not independently published the flight permit or its conditions. Airlink’s statement nevertheless establishes that this was an authorised operation, not an unplanned or rogue flight.