Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has defended Airlink’s dramatic flyover at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, dismissing criticism of the manoeuvre after footage of the aircraft spread widely online.
Also see: Watch: Low-flying Airlink aeroplanes over Cape Town Stadium
The flyover took place shortly before the Springboks faced the All Blacks, with two Airlink Embraer aircraft, one in green and the other in black, passing over the stadium as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry spectacle.
Gayton McKenzie backs the Airlink flyover
The minister weighed into the debate on social media, writing:
“It’s a well-known fact that we have the best pilots in the world. That was spectacular. Next time, I will ask the pilots to land on the field. Prepare to be amazed further.”
It’s a well known fact that we have the best pilots in the world, that was spectacular, next time I will ask the pilots to land on the field, prepare to be amazed further. pic.twitter.com/bgDYyNrrNM
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 30, 2026
The comments followed international criticism of the flyover, with some reports describing the aircraft as having appeared to pass dangerously close to the stadium.
Airlink defends its moves
Airlink rejected claims that the flyover was dangerously low, saying the operation had been carefully planned and rehearsed.
The airline said the manoeuvre required the pilots to navigate at low altitude at approximately 150 knots, with guidance, approval and support from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services.
Airlink also said both aircraft were operated by highly experienced crews, with each flight staffed by three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer.
Also see: Airlink opens new skies between Gqeberha and Mbombela
According to the airline, flight data recorded by both aircraft confirmed that the flyover remained within the approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits.
The spectacle nevertheless prompted closer scrutiny of the aircraft’s altitude, as Flightradar24 data recorded the lowest ADS-B altitude of one aircraft at 50 feet under standard pressure.
After accounting for Cape Town’s atmospheric pressure, the estimated altitude was approximately 205 to 210 feet above mean sea level.
DHL Stadium itself stands at roughly 164 feet, placing the estimated clearance above the roof at about 41 to 46 feet, or approximately 12.5 to 14 metres.
What was the reason for the flyover?
The flyover formed part of the build-up to the second Test in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, which drew a capacity crowd of about 55 000 spectators to DHL Stadium.
The first aircraft, an Embraer E190 registered as ZS-YAE, carried an all-green livery representing the Springboks. It was followed by an Embraer E195, ZS-YDE, presented in black for the All Blacks.
The aircraft had earlier circled Robben Island before making their approach towards the stadium, where fireworks and pyrotechnics formed part of the pre-match spectacle.
The Springboks subsequently defeated New Zealand 33-26.
Originally published by Cape{town}etc.
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