Overview
- Two specially liveried Airlink Embraer E190s performed a formation flyover over DHL Stadium shortly before the Springboks–All Blacks Test on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
- Flight‑tracking data logged an ADS‑B reading of 50 ft at standard pressure which, when corrected for local QNH, equated to about 205–210 ft above mean sea level and a clearance of roughly 41–46 ft (12.5–14 m) above the stadium roof.
- Airlink says the flypast was planned, rehearsed and carried out under guidance and approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Services and has handed digital flight‑recorder data to SACAA for independent review.
- Viral video angles from inside the packed 55,000‑seat stadium made the jets look much closer and provoked intense public alarm, while aviation experts noted camera perspective and zoom can exaggerate apparent proximity.
- Another approved Airlink flyover is scheduled for the next Test at FNB Stadium and regulators’ findings from the SACAA review could shape whether similar low stadium passes are allowed in future.