A pre-game stunt involving two passenger jets flying dramatically low over a stadium in South Africa has drawn both cheers and significant debate over safety risks. The flyby, performed by two Embraer jets operated by local airline Airlink, took place on Saturday before the second rugby union Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Cape Town.
Flight tracking service Flightradar24 estimated that the lead jet flew just 41 to 46 feet (12 to 14 metres) above the roof of Cape Town Stadium. The second jet, flying close behind, passed through a cloud of pink dust released from the stadium roof as part of the show.
Airlink, a sponsor of the South African rugby union team, has defended the manoeuvre, stating it was conducted according to safety regulations. The airline said the flyby was carefully planned and rehearsed, with the aircraft travelling at approximately 150 knots (172 mph) over the stadium. Each jet carried three senior captains, operating as commander, co-pilot, and safety officer, and no passengers were on board.
Despite Airlink's assurances, some aviation experts have raised concerns. Chris Martinus, president of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association South Africa, questioned the small margin for error, stating that if "something adverse happens, you just don’t have options at that kind of altitude." Keith Tonkin, an Australian aviation consultant, warned against setting a precedent, noting that Embraer passenger jets are not designed for such low-level operations and that turbulence or a bird strike could leave pilots with insufficient room to manoeuvre.
Airlink maintains that flight data recorded by both aircraft confirms their flights were performed within civil aviation safety limits for speed and altitude.