Just prior to the start of the second test in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between South Africa and New Zealand, a pair of Airlink aircraft performed a low flypast over DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Based on Flightradar24 data, the lead aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the top of the stadium.
Calculating height above terrain
ADS-B altitude data includes barometric altitude reported at standard pressure in feet above mean sea level. To determine the height above terrain, one must know the local air pressure, the elevation of the location in question, and height of any structures. In this case we can determine within a margin of error that the aircraft passed less than 50 feet above the top of the stadium.
- Lowest ADS-B altitude (standard pressue above mean sea level): 50 ft.
- Altitude corrected for QNH (1019 hPa): 205-210 feet AMSL.
- DHL Stadium elevation: near sea level
- DHL Stadium height: 164 ft.
- Clearance over stadium: 41-46 ft.
Watch the flypast
Planning. Precision. Performance. ✈️✈️
Spectacular scenes of Airlink’s double Embraer flyover at the DHL Stadium.
Airlink is Proud Official Sponsor of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, presented by Castle Double Malt 🏉#Airlink #FlyAirlink #FlyTheLink #Skybucks #RugbysGreatestRivalry pic.twitter.com/3tPNepftLS— Airlink (@Fly_Airlink) August 29, 2026
Airlink statement
30 August 2026, Cape Town – Airlink notes the concerns expressed in various social media and online forums regarding yesterday’s formation flyby over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.
The flight demanded careful planning and rehearsal, as it required navigating at low altitude, at around 150 knots. The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided valuable guidance, approval and support to ensure a safe flyby.
The two aircraft were flown by highly-experienced crew, with each comprised of three senior captains operating in the roles of commander, co-pilot and safety/technical officer.
The flight data recorded by both aircraft confirms that the flights were performed within the SACAA’s approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits for the flypast.
Airlink aircraft information
The flypast was performed by a two ship formation consisting of an Embraer E195 registration ZS-YDE and an Embraer E190 registration ZS-YAE. The E195 wears a black Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry livery, while the E190 wears a green livery of the same style.
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