Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended Airlink’s dramatic flyover above DHL Stadium in Cape Town after footage of the aircraft sparked debate online.
The display took place shortly before the Springboks faced the All Blacks, with two Airlink Embraer aircraft flying over the stadium as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry spectacle.
One aircraft was painted green to represent the Springboks, while the other carried a black livery for the All Blacks.
McKenzie dismisses criticism
McKenzie praised the display on social media and dismissed concerns raised after footage of the flyover spread internationally.
He described the manoeuvre as “spectacular” and joked that he would ask the pilots to land on the field next time.
Some reports questioned how close the aircraft appeared to pass above the stadium.
Airlink rejected claims that the operation was dangerously low.
Airlink says flight was approved
The airline said the flyover was carefully planned and rehearsed with guidance, approval and support from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services.
Airlink said the aircraft travelled at approximately 150 knots during the manoeuvre.
Each aircraft was staffed by three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot and safety or technical officer.
According to the airline, flight data from both aircraft confirmed that the flyover remained within the approved altitude and speed limits established during rehearsals.
Flight data draws scrutiny
Flightradar24 data recorded the lowest ADS-B altitude of one aircraft at 50 feet under standard pressure.
After Cape Town’s atmospheric pressure was taken into account, the aircraft’s estimated altitude was between 205 and 210 feet above mean sea level.
DHL Stadium stands at roughly 164 feet, placing the estimated clearance above the roof at around 41 to 46 feet, or about 12.5 to 14 metres.
The two aircraft had earlier circled Robben Island before approaching the stadium, where fireworks and pyrotechnics formed part of the pre-match entertainment.
Around 55,000 spectators attended the match.
The Springboks later defeated New Zealand 33-26.