South African airline defends dramatic low-level flyby before rugby union clash
Cape Town stunt sparks major debate over safety risks
TL;DR
- Two Embraer jets performed a low-altitude flyby over Cape Town Stadium before a rugby union match between South Africa and New Zealand.
- The lead jet flew an estimated 41 to 46 feet above the stadium roof, drawing cheers from the crowd.
- Airlink, the airline operating the jets, defended the stunt, stating it was carefully planned, rehearsed, and conducted according to safety regulations with approval from aviation authorities.
- Several aviation experts expressed concerns about the safety risks associated with the low altitude, citing potential issues with turbulence, bird strikes, and limited maneuverability.
- The flyby has reignited discussions about stadium flybys in South African rugby, a tradition dating back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.