source:
StadiumDB.com ;
author:
Paulina Skóra
Two Embraer E190 aircraft operated by South African airline Airlink flew just above the roof of DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday. The spectacular flypast took place shortly before the match between South Africa and New Zealand.
Data shows how close the planes were to DHL Stadium
The flypast was part of the pre-match spectacle for the clash between the Springboks and the All Blacks, played at DHL Stadium. Two Embraer E190s in special green liveries flew over the stadium shortly before kick-off. Footage broadcast on television quickly attracted widespread attention.
From one camera angle, the first aircraft appears to be just a few metres above the stadium roof. As the plane pulled up, its tail dropped towards the stadium, making it look as though the aircraft was moments away from hitting the structure. The second aircraft flew through pyrotechnics activated around the arena.
Footage from other locations, however, offered a different perspective. These images showed a noticeably larger gap between the aircraft and the stadium roof.
According to FlightRadar24 data, the aircraft registered as ZS-YDE was flying at a barometric altitude of around 50 metres during the flypast. Its GPS altitude, meanwhile, was recorded at 925 feet, or approximately 282 metres. The difference is due to the fact that different systems measure altitude relative to different reference points.
— Airlink (@Fly_Airlink) August 29, 2026
DHL Stadium is approximately 164 feet, or 50 metres, high. The available data therefore suggests that the actual clearance between the aircraft and the stadium was significantly greater than the most dramatic footage made it appear. At the same time, FlightRadar24 showed that at one point the aircraft were less than 50 feet, or around 15 metres, above the stadium roof.
Airlink: everything went according to plan
After the footage began spreading rapidly across social media, Airlink issued a statement addressing the safety of the flypast. The airline stressed that both aircraft were operated by highly experienced crews. Each crew consisted of three senior captains serving as the pilot in command, co-pilot and safety and technical officer.
According to Airlink, flight data confirmed that both aircraft remained within the approved altitude and speed limits set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. The manoeuvres had also been specifically rehearsed ahead of the flypast.
A tradition dating back to 1995
Spectacular aircraft flypasts over stadiums have been part of major rugby events in South Africa since 1995. Before the Rugby World Cup final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg that year, a South African Airways Boeing 747 flew over the stadium. The tradition continued at subsequent major sporting events.
This time, Airlink was responsible for the display. The airline has been the official carrier of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
series since June.
Airlink’s role goes beyond organising flypasts. The airline is also the exclusive carrier for the national teams, coaches, support staff and personnel travelling during the entire tour of South Africa.
