The planned Airlink flyover at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium has been cancelled as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) investigates the airline’s controversial low-altitude formation flight over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium last weekend.
Also see: Daring flyover planned for FNB Stadium after recent spectacle
Airlink had planned a third flyover ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Springboks versus All Blacks Test at FNB Stadium in Soweto. However, the airline withdrew its application on Wednesday.
According to Airlink, unfavourable weather conditions were the reason for cancelling the planned formation flight. The airline said the forecast conditions would not be suitable for a safe flyover.
The cancellation comes as SACAA reviews the circumstances surrounding Airlink’s flyover at DHL Stadium on 29 August 2026, when two Embraer aircraft flew over the stadium ahead of the second Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test between South Africa and New Zealand.
The dramatic display thrilled the approximately 56,000 spectators, but videos of the aircraft flying extremely close to the stadium roof sparked concerns among aviation enthusiasts and experts. Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft passed approximately 41 to 46 feet (12.5 to 14 metres) above the stadium roof.
Also see: Gayton McKenzie defends Airlink stadium flyover amid backlash
SACAA investigating flyover
SACAA has confirmed that it is conducting a compliance verification of the Cape Town operation.
The regulator said it has obtained flight data recordings from the aircraft and requested additional information from Airlink as part of its assessment. It will issue a full report and recommendations once the review has been completed, reported SABC News.
Importantly, SACAA said the Cape Town flyover had been approved before it took place. The required procedures, including a simulator practice flight and safety briefing, had been completed before approval was granted.
According to AP News, Airlink has also defended the operation, saying it was carefully planned and rehearsed, with safety considered throughout the process. The airline said experienced crews operated the aircraft and were not carrying passengers during the flyover.
Airlink responds to cancelled flyover
Following the public debate, Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said the airline appreciated the excitement generated by the flyover but acknowledged the questions and concerns that followed.
Airlink said it did not intend for the aerial display to overshadow the rugby.
The airline’s decision means Saturday’s decisive Springboks-All Blacks encounter will take place without the planned Airlink flyover.
The stadium flyover tradition has a strong connection with South African rugby. It dates back to the famous 1995 Rugby World Cup final at Ellis Park, when a South African Airways Boeing 747 flew over the stadium before the Springboks faced the All Blacks.
For now, the focus shifts to SACAA’s investigation and whether its review results in any recommendations regarding future stadium flyovers.
Also see: Gayton McKenzie teases Airlink collab following spectacular flyover
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