Tag: Aviation

SACAA investigates Airlink flypast at DHL Stadium in Cape Town

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is investigating Airlink’s flypast at DHL Stadium in Cape Town after the airline operated the flight ahead of the Springboks-All Blacks match on 29 August.

The aviation regulator said it launched compliance checks following the flypast and has obtained flight data recordings and additional information from Airlink as part of its assessment.

According to the SACAA, Airlink submitted three applications for flypasts linked to rugby matches. The Cape Town operation was the second of the three, following an approved flypast in Johannesburg on 22 August.

The regulator said Airlink submitted supporting documentation for the Cape Town flight and completed the required preparations, including a simulator practice flight and safety briefing. The operation was subsequently approved by the SACAA under the requirements for Special Air Events.

The SACAA said it began its compliance verification process after discussions in the media about the weekend’s events. The regulator has since started analysing the flight data and requested further information from Airlink before reaching a final position.

A full report, including recommendations, will be shared with the airline once the assessment has been completed.

Meanwhile, Airlink notified the SACAA on Wednesday, 1 September, that it was withdrawing its application for approval for a third flypast planned for this weekend.

The SACAA said aviation safety and security compliance remain its priority, adding that the investigation is intended to establish whether any safety concerns arising from the recent flypast require further review.

The regulator also noted that South Africa is ranked seventh globally and first in Africa for aviation safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Airlink flypast inspires cheeky new ‘Flappy Link’ game

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
What started as a spectacular Airlink flypast over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium has now taken an unexpected turn: it has become a video game.

Just days after two Airlink aircraft captured worldwide attention with their low formation flight over the stadium, an online game called Flappy Link has appeared, turning the controversial flypast into a tongue-in-cheek challenge.

The game, which states that it is not affiliated with Airlink, gives players control of a small passenger aircraft flying above Cape Town. The aim is simple - fly as close to DHL Stadium as possible without hitting the ground.

The closer you get, the better your score, with the game even displaying the rather ominous instruction: “LOW IS GOOD.”

Players can also see their clearance from the stadium, compete on a leaderboard and receive a rather cheeky warning if they push their luck a little too far.

Essentially, it’s Flappy Bird with an airliner and Cape Town’s most famous stadium thrown into the mix.

The game takes its inspiration from Saturday’s much-discussed Airlink flypast, staged before the Springboks faced the All Blacks at DHL Stadium.

Two specially painted Embraer aircraft flew in formation over the venue in a dramatic display that was shown during the live broadcast before footage quickly spread across social media and international news platforms.

The flypast subsequently became a major talking point, with viewers debating everything from the aircraft’s altitude and safety to the skill involved in executing the manoeuvre.

Airlink has defended the flight, saying the operation was extensively planned and rehearsed. The airline said the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services were involved and provided the necessary guidance, approvals and support.

According to Airlink, each aircraft was operated by three senior captains, while flight data showed that both aircraft stayed within the approved altitude and speed parameters established during the planning and rehearsal process.

Check out the Flappy Link Game here

Airlink responds to concerns over low Cape Town Stadium flyby

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Airlink has responded to concerns raised on social media and online forums about a formation flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Saturday (29 August 2026).

The airline said the flight required careful planning and rehearsal because the aircraft had to navigate at low altitude at around 150 knots.

Airlink said the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided guidance, approval and support to ensure the flyby was conducted safely.

The two aircraft were flown by highly experienced crews, with each aircraft carrying three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer.

According to Airlink, flight data recorded by both aircraft confirms that the flights were conducted within the safety altitude and speed limits approved and rehearsed with SACAA for the flypast.

The airline said the planning and operational procedures were aimed at ensuring the formation flight was carried out safely.

Meanwhile, some of the 62000 spectators at the Rugby Match expressed their views on social media, with many calling it "too close for comfort" and "reckless", while others praised the Pilots for their excellent performance.
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