South African airline defends low-altitude aerial stunt over packed stadium
South African airline Airlink is defending a low-altitude flypast performed by two jets over a stadium before a major rugby match. While some critics labeled the stunt reckless, the airline maintains it was a highly planned and safe maneuver.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the tension between public spectacle, national pride, and aviation safety regulations.
Figure caption, Watch: Moment two planes fly less than 50 feet above stadium
The South African airline behind a dramatic stunt that saw two of its aircraft in close formation fly reportedly within feet of the top of a stadium has defended itself in the face of some criticism.
The jets roared over Cape Town's DHL stadium as flares shot up before the start of a rugby match featuring fierce rivals South Africa and New Zealand.
Some labelled the manoeuvre reckless, while others have praised the precision and expertise required to pull it off.
In response, Airlink said it was carefully planned with the support of the aviation authorities.
Image source, Gallo Images/Getty Images Image caption, The planes - one green, one black - flew over the stadium shortly before the start of the South Africa-New Zealand match
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