South African airline Airlink has cancelled its flyover of FNB Stadium the third Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR) Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks, as the national civil aviation authority investigates last Saturday's stadium flyover in Cape Town.
South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26 in a gripping encounter at DHL Stadium to level the four-Test RGR series 1-1. However, the flyover before the game by Airlink, a series sponsor, arguably generated more attention than the rugby itself.
Flightradar24 had estimated that the stadium roof had been cleared by only 41-46 feet (around 12.5 - 14 metres).
Low flyovers are a longstanding tradition in South African rugby, dating back to the 1995 World Cup. Although the Cape Town flight was authorised by SACAA, its implementation is now under review by the governing body, and Airlink has scrapped plans for a repeat in Johannesburg.
"The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) can confirm that it is looking into the flypast that took place on Saturday 29 August 2026 ahead of the international rugby fixture between the Springboks and the All Blacks teams," read a Wednesday statement.
"Subsequent to the flypast, the SACAA began ongoing compliance verifications and can confirm the following information to date: Airlink submitted three applications for flypasts related to the rugby matches of which the flypast under discussion is the second of the three applications.
"The applications were submitted in line with the regulatory provisions governing non-passenger or cargocarrying flights conducted in terms of the provisions of Part 91.06.32. Following the SACAA approval, the first flypast took place on 22 August 2026 in Johannesburg, and the second one took place on 29 August 2026.
"In relation to the second flypast, the operator submitted the application with supporting documentation applicable to such operations. The necessary processes including the practice flight in a simulator in preparation for the Saturday flight and a safety briefing was conducted ahead of the operation as required by the regulations.
"This was approved by the Regulator, in line with the requirements for Special Air Events. 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.
"The Regulator has begun its analysis process and has requested additional information from the operator to reach an informed position. A full report with recommendations will be shared with the operator once the assessment has been completed by the SACAA.
"Further to this, the Regulator was notified by the operator... that it is withdrawing its application for approval for a third flypast that was planned for this coming weekend.
"The SACAA, as the safety net of the South African skies, gives the public the assurance that aviation safety and security compliance will always remain paramount and is not Negotiable."
The statement further cited South Africa's generally sound commercial aviation record over the last 40 years and consistent placement near the top of the world for aviation standards in official rankings.
Airlink had previously defended the flyover in a Sunday statement which said: "Airlink notes the concerns expressed in various social media and online forums regarding yesterday's formation flyby over Cape Town's DHL Stadium.
"The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal, as it required navigating at low altitude at around 150 knots. The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided valuable guidance, approval and support to ensure a safe flyby."
After the third Test at FNB Stadium, the RGR series will come to a close in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 12.