Overview
- Two Airlink Embraer E‑jets performed a planned formation flypast over DHL Stadium before the Springboks–All Blacks Test on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with footage from multiple angles going viral.
- Flight‑tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the lowest ADS‑B barometric reading at 50 ft (standard pressure) which, when corrected for local QNH, equates to about 205–210 ft AMSL and implies roughly 41–46 ft (12.5–14 m) clearance above the stadium roof.
- Airlink and aviation authorities said the display was rehearsed, flown by senior crews, and had approval and support from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services.
- Video shows stadium pyrotechnics and smoke intersecting the trailing aircraft’s path in some clips, which intensified public and expert concerns about coordination between ground effects and the aircraft flight path.
- No injuries or damage were reported and the match went ahead, but the episode has focused attention on regulatory minimums, safety margins for passenger‑aircraft displays, and whether future flypasts should face tighter controls.