Airlink Defends Low-Altitude Flypast Over Cape Town Rugby Match

Airlink, a South African airline backed by Qatar Airways, defended a double flypast conducted with Embraer passenger jets over the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday. The maneuvers took place as South Africa's Springboks prepared to face the New Zealand All Blacks in an international rugby match.

While the display drew mixed reactions online, flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that one of the jets passed less than 50 feet above the stadium roof. Airlink responded to the criticism by stating the flights were performed by senior captains and followed careful planning and rehearsal.

The airline maintained that the maneuvers adhered to the approved safety altitude and speed limits set by the local aviation authority. The Springboks eventually won the match with a score of 33-26.