Two Airlink Embraer E-Jets performed an extremely low flyover at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, on Saturday, flying approximately 41 to 46 feet above the stadium roof during a pre-game event ahead of the rugby match between the South African Springboks and New Zealand All Blacks. The jets, registered as ZS-YAE and ZS-YDE, navigated colorful pyrotechnics set off by the stadium crowd as part of the spectacle. The flyover occurred during 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series, an international rugby competition.
Airlink confirmed the flyover as part of a planned pre-game display, stating the maneuver was executed safely and in coordination with event organizers. The airline, an official partner of the series, described the scenes as 'spectacular' in a public statement. The aircraft involved were painted in special green and black liveries for the occasion, matching the event’s branding.
The flyover’s altitude was measured by FlightRadar, which noted the stadium stands roughly 164 feet tall near sea level. Multiple angles of the footage captured the jets’ proximity to the stadium structure, with some viewers noting the apparent closeness of the aircraft to the venue. The event drew significant attention, with social media users sharing clips of the flyover and debating its safety.
Safety and regulatory context
Aviation experts and officials have not indicated any violation of safety protocols, as the flyover was conducted under controlled conditions with prior approval. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has not issued any statements regarding the incident, and no reports of disruptions or hazards have been confirmed. The flyover is described by some attendees as a highlight of the pre-game festivities, while others questioned its necessity.
Reactions and public response
Videos of the flyover circulated widely online, with viewers expressing a range of reactions. Some praised the spectacle as thrilling and visually impressive, while others criticized the maneuver as excessively risky. Comments on social media platforms included statements such as 'That was close,' and 'How is that safe?' Others framed the event as a memorable part of the sporting experience. The flyover’s low altitude was noted as unusual compared to typical stadium flyovers, which often occur at higher elevations for safety reasons.
Background on the event
The flyover took place ahead of a rugby match between the Springboks and the All Blacks, part of a global series branded as 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.' The event in Cape Town drew a reported 55,000 spectators to DHL Stadium. Airlink, a regional airline based in South Africa, has been an official partner of the series, contributing to promotional and logistical aspects of the matches. The airline’s involvement in the flyover was framed as part of its role in enhancing the event’s atmosphere.
Technical details of the aircraft
The two Embraer E-Jets used for the flyover are narrow-body regional aircraft operated by Airlink. The models involved, registered ZS-YAE and ZS-YDE, are part of the E-Jet family, known for short-haul passenger operations. The aircraft were painted in special liveries for the event, with one featuring green and the other black, aligning with the branding of 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.' The flyover maneuver required precise coordination to maintain the low altitude while navigating pyrotechnics and avoiding any contact with the stadium structure.