South African airline Airlink behind daring stadium stunt cancels next flyby, regulator says
South African airline Airlink has cancelled a planned stadium flyby following public and regulatory scrutiny over a previous low-altitude stunt. The South African Civil Aviation Authority is currently reviewing the safety of the initial maneuver, which involved jets flying less than 50 feet above a stadium.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the tension between public entertainment spectacles and aviation safety regulations, prompting a formal review of compliance standards.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Damian Zane and Pumza Fihlani , Johannesburg Watch: Moment two planes fly less than 50 feet above stadium The South African airline behind a stunt which saw two planes flying in close formation low over a packed stadium, has cancelled a similar operation this weekend.
Airlink confirmed it had withdrawn its application for the display set to take place before South Africa's rugby match with New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday, citing a poor weather forecast.
The airline's flying feat divided opinion, with some labelling the startling manoeuvre reckless while others praised the precision and expertise.
It comes as the the country's aviation regulator said that while it had approved the application for the flyby, it was now reviewing the operation following "discussions in the media".
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