SA Airlink cancels FNB Stadium flypast as aviation regulator launches safety investigation

There will be no SA Airlink flypast at FNB Stadium before Saturday’s third Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks after the airline withdrew its application for approval.

The decision follows controversy surrounding last Saturday’s flypast at Cape Town Stadium during the second Test in the Greatest Rivalry series. Some people in aviation circles questioned whether the two aircraft involved had flown too close to the stadium and believed their altitude had been far too low.

SA Airlink had initially defended the operation, saying the flypast was carried out within the limits prescribed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The display involved two Embraer aircraft.

The airline’s position came after concerns were raised about the safety of the flight over Cape Town Stadium. However, the SACAA confirmed on Wednesday that it would conduct an independent investigation into the incident.

“Following various discussions in the media relating to the events of the past weekend, the SACAA initiated compliance verifications, engaged the operator, obtained the Flight Data Recording downloads as well as other additional requirements,”a statement read.

“Further to this, the Regulator was notified by the operator on Wednesday, 1 September 2026, that it is withdrawing its application for approval for a third flypast that was planned for this coming weekend.”

The withdrawal means spectators attending the third Test at FNB Stadium will not see an SA Airlink aircraft display before the match. It also ends plans for the airline to repeat the flypast as part of the Greatest Rivalry series.

The SACAA’s investigation follows its initial compliance checks and discussions with SA Airlink. The regulator said it had obtained downloads from the aircraft’s Flight Data Recordings, together with other information it considered necessary.

The issue centres on the flight conducted at Cape Town Stadium during the second meeting between the Springboks and the All Blacks. While SA Airlink said the operation complied with the relevant prescribed limits, the flight prompted criticism from within aviation circles.

The third Test is scheduled for Saturday at FNB Stadium, but the planned flypast will no longer take place after SA Airlink formally withdrew its application on Wednesday.

A related item was titled “Oom Rugby | The truth about the Springbok defence”, amid coverage of the Springboks’ meeting with the All Blacks.