Airline defends flyover for South Africa-New Zealand rugby game after low-flying planes cause alarm

Two Airlink aircraft flew less than 50 ft (15 m) over DHL Stadium in Cape Town during a ceremonial rugby Test flyover, according to Flightradar24 calculations that sparked viral concern. The match was the second South Africa–New Zealand Test on Saturday, with the host country winning 33–26 to level the summer series. Airlink defended the safety of the manoeuvre, saying its flight data showed the formation pass was within the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s approved and rehearsed altitude and speed limits. Airlink said the flyby required careful planning at 150 knots (278 km/h) and was guided by SACAA and Air Traffic Navigation Services.