Airlink has volunteered black-box data from the two jets that flew above Cape Town Stadium to the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
The spectacular flyover before Saturday’s Springbok-All Blacks Test by two green Airlink Embraer E190 jets generated widespread discussion after video footage appeared to show the aircraft passing dangerously close to the stadium roof.
Flightradar24 subsequently reported that its lowest recorded ADS-B altitude put one of the jets approximately 12.5-14m above the top of the stadium.
Airlink has now offered the aircrafts’ flight data to SACAA for independent scrutiny.
“Airlink, on its own initiative, has volunteered these data sets to the South African Civil Aviation Authority so it can independently review and verify that the flypast was in accordance with the flight authorisation,” spokesperson Linden Birns told IOL.
Black-box data can provide detailed information about an aircraft’s flight, including its altitude, speed and heading.
“While Airlink appreciates the interest and concern, it will refrain from making any further comments while the SACAA reviews the flight data,” Birns added.
Airlink previously said the flyover had been carefully planned and rehearsed, with SACAA and Air Traffic Navigation Services providing guidance, approval and support.
According to the airline, both aircraft were operated by highly experienced crews consisting of three senior captains, and recorded flight data confirmed they remained within the approved altitude and speed limits.
MORE: Planes flew 12.5m to 14m above stadium
Aviation analyst Guy Leitch told IOL that while he believed the jets could have flown higher, the display had not been reckless.
“They flew an approved sequence, they flew it within limits, and it was not fundamentally dangerous,” Leitch said. “There was an adequate safety margin.
“My view is that they probably overcooked it a little bit. It would have been better for all round if they had flown it a bit higher.”
Another angle of today´s low pass in South Africa. Note now only how low they are, but how close the two jetliners are from each other. Those aren´t some Aermachhi trainers, those are large aircraft. This was nuts!
pic.twitter.com/WLLPlJhH9r— Francisco Cunha –
Aviation et al (@OnDisasters) August 29, 2026
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) August 29, 2026
Another angle. As received. pic.twitter.com/1tns0aQbzZ
— Herman
(@hermux) August 29, 2026
Can’t park there pic.twitter.com/MCsMr6q9NU
— Herman
The post Airlink offers flyover black-box data appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Airlink has volunteered black-box data from the two jets that flew above Cape Town Stadium to the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
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