Airlink defends Springboks formation flyover over DHL Stadium

Airlink has defended the formation flyover over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium during the build-up to Saturday’s rugby match between the Springboks and the All Blacks, saying no safety regulations were violated.

Airlink statement on the flyby at Cape Town DHL Stadium https://t.co/q2uRulGAhF #ArriveAlive #Flyby @Fly_Airlink @Springboks @AllBlacks @RugbyFifteen @Dotransport pic.twitter.com/iO3VbrTaS5 — Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 30, 2026 Social media platforms are abuzz with concerns about how low the aircraft appeared to have flown.

In a statement, the airline says the flights demanded careful planning and rehearsal, under the guidance of the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Services.

Airlink says the flight data records substantiate the fact that the flypast was done under SACAA’s approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits.

RELATED VIDEO | Do or die for the Boks in Cape Town