By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Airlink has officially withdrawn its application for a planned third stadium flyover ahead of the upcoming Springboks vs. All Blacks rugby match at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
The decision follows an intense safety debate and a formal investigation launched by the South African Civil Aviation (SACAA) regarding a daring low-altitude flyover performed by the airline on August 29, 2026, at DHL Cape Town Stadium, which got tongues wagging around the world.
The regulator confirmed on Wednesday that Airlink had notified it of the withdrawal of its application for approval for a third flyover.
Airlink had submitted three applications for fly-pasts linked to the rugby matches.
The regulator said the applications were submitted in accordance with regulations governing non-passenger or cargo-carrying flights under Part 91.06.32.
For August 29 operation, Airlink submitted required application and supporting documentation. The SACAA said a simulator practice flight and safety briefing had also been completed as required by the regulations.
The fly-past was approved by the regulator in line with requirements for Special Air Events.
According to flight-tracking firm Flightradar24, the lead aircraft flew roughly just 41 to 46 feet above the roof of the stadium.
Dramatic footage of the flyover quickly began circulating on social media, prompting mixed reactions as some expressed concerns over safety.
SACAA stressed that aviation safety and security compliance remained paramount and was non-negotiable.
The regulator said the events of the past weekend needed to be examined using available data to determine whether any safety concerns warranted a review.
The SACAA said South Africa had maintained a zero fatal-accident record in commercial airline operations for more than four decades, adding that it intended to uphold that record.
It also said South Africa was ranked seventh globally and first in Africa for aviation safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The low flyby has become a feature of the build-up to some big matches in South Africa.
The most notable was when a South African Airways (SAA) jet flew over Johannesburg’s Ellis Park stadium before the start of the 1995 rugby World Cup final which saw South Africa beat New Zealand.