Airlink defends low-level flyby over Cape Town Stadium before second South Africa-New Zealand Test

Two Airlink-operated Embraer jets performed a low-level flyby over Cape Town Stadium on Saturday before the second rugby union Test between South Africa and New Zealand, drawing cheers from an estimated 56,000 spectators and prompting safety concerns. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 estimated the lead jet passed just 41 to 46 feet (12 to 14 metres) above the stadium roof.

Airlink, a sponsor of the South African rugby union team, said the manoeuvre complied with safety regulations and had been carefully planned and rehearsed. The airline said the aircraft were travelling at around 150 knots (172 mph) when they passed over the stadium. Each jet carried three senior captains operating as commander, co-pilot and safety officer and neither aircraft was carrying passengers. The second jet flew through a cloud of pink dust released from the stadium roof as part of the pre-game presentation.

Airlink issued a statement on Sunday and said: "Airlink notes the concerns expressed in various social media and online forums regarding yesterday’s formation flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium," Airlink said on Sunday. "The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal, as it required navigating at low altitude, at around 150 knots. The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided valuable guidance, approval and support to ensure a safe flyby."

Some aviation experts questioned whether the margin for error was too small. "Basically, that lead aircraft … was kind of like dodging over the roof and climbing over the one side and dipping below and then climbing over the other side. That was a little bit uncomfortable," said Chris Martinus, president of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association South Africa. "[If] something adverse happens, you just don’t have options at that kind of altitude."

Australian aviation consultant and former military and commercial pilot Keith Tonkin warned against setting a precedent. "The bigger picture is that a benchmark has been established and others may expect to do something similar, and that’s not going to end well," Tonkin said. He added that turbulence or a bird strike at such a low altitude could leave the pilots with too little room to maneuver without hitting the stadium.

Airlink said the flight data recorded by both aircraft confirmed that their flights were performed within civil aviation safety limits for speed and altitude. Tonkin said the Embraer passenger jets, which are small to medium jets designed for regional flights, were not designed or intended for that kind of low-level operation. The manoeuvre attracted global attention and produced a flurry of spectator videos.

South African rugby union has a tradition of stadium flybys at big games, starting when a Boeing 747 flew over another stadium in Johannesburg before the 1995 World Cup final between the same teams, who are fierce rivals. This weekend’s flyby was especially low and dramatic, generating global interest after it was shown as part of the pre-game broadcast, and sparking a flurry of videos shot by witnesses.