South African airline cancels plans for repeat of flyover stunt after criticism

South African aviation authorities are reviewing a low-altitude flyover staged by two Airlink passenger jets before a rugby match at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium after it drew safety concerns, officials said Wednesday. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) obtained flight data recordings and requested additional information from Airlink as part of its assessment, with a full report and recommendations expected once the review is complete. The Aug. 29 Springboks–All Blacks flyover drew cheers from an estimated crowd of about 56,000, but video shared online sparked debate about risk margins. Airlink said the maneuver was carefully planned and rehearsed, with three senior captains aboard and more than 75,000 combined flight hours across the crews. The airline has withdrawn plans for a repeat at the upcoming Soweto match.