Airlink cancels FNB Stadium flypast amid SACAA probe
Airlink cancels its planned FNB Stadium flypast as aviation regulators investigate whether last weekend’s low-altitude formation flight complied with safety regulations.
Airlink has cancelled a planned flypast ahead of this weekend’s third Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks at FNB Stadium.
The decision comes amid international scrutiny over last weekend’s match at DHL Cape Town Stadium, where two Airlink aircraft conducted an ultra-low-altitude formation flyover.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is investigating whether the flypast complied with aviation safety regulations.
The SACAA said Airlink submitted three applications for flypasts linked to the rugby matches.
The first was conducted in Johannesburg on the 22nd of August; the second one, which took place on the 29th of August, is now the subject of the regulator’s compliance investigation.
The aviation authority said Airlink submitted the required supporting documentation and completed the mandatory procedures, including a simulator practice flight and a safety briefing, ahead of the operation.
The regulator said it has since engaged with Airlink, obtained flight data recordings, and requested additional information as part of its assessment.
"The Regulator was notified by the operator on Wednesday that it is withdrawing its application for approval for a third flypast that was planned for this coming weekend," SACAA said in a statement published on the same day.
The SACAA said a full report, including recommendations, will be shared with Airlink once the investigation is complete.
