There will be no pre-match flyover before Saturday’s third Test between the Springboks and All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Airlink has withdrawn its application for a planned flyover before the match as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) continues to investigate last weekend’s dramatic display in Cape Town.
Two green Airlink Embraer E190 jets flew low over Cape Town Stadium before the Boks’ 33-26 victory, with footage of the flyover generating widespread debate about how close the aircraft came to the roof.
Flightradar24 reported that its lowest recorded ADS-B altitude put one of the jets approximately 12.5-14m above the top of the stadium.
MORE: Planes flew 12.5m to 14m above stadium
SACAA communications manager Sisa Majola confirmed that Airlink had applied for three flyovers during the series, with the first taking place at Ellis Park on 22 August and the second in Cape Town a week later.
Both had received regulatory approval.
“The necessary processes, including the practice flight in a simulator in preparation for the Saturday flight and a safety briefing, were conducted ahead of the operation as required by the regulations,” Majola said of the Cape Town display.
However, the attention generated by the flyover prompted SACAA to conduct further checks.
“Following various discussions in the media relating to the events of the past weekend, SACAA initiated compliance verifications, engaged the operator, obtained the flight data recording downloads as well as other additional requirements,” Majola said.
“The regulator has begun its analysis process and has requested additional information from the operator to reach an informed position.”
ALSO: Airlink offers flyover black-box data
Airlink had already voluntarily provided black-box data from both aircraft to SACAA, saying this would allow the regulator to independently verify that the flyover complied with its authorisation.
The airline previously maintained that the Cape Town display was carefully planned and rehearsed, and that recorded flight data showed both aircraft remained within approved altitude and speed limits.
Majola said SACAA would issue a report and recommendations once its assessment was complete.
“SACAA, as the safety net of the South African skies, gives the public the assurance that aviation safety and security compliance will always be paramount and is not negotiable.”
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
The post Bok Test flyover called off appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
There will be no pre-match flyover before Saturday’s third Test between the Springboks and All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
The post Bok Test flyover called off appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
