Airlink cancels FNB Stadium flypast amid SACAA investigation

South African airline Airlink has withdrawn its application for a flypast before Saturday's third Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks at Johannesburg's FNB Stadium, citing unfavorable weather conditions. The decision comes as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) continues its investigation into a similar, low-altitude flyover the airline performed before the second Test in Cape Town on August 29, which sparked widespread debate over aviation safety. The Cape Town flypast, which saw two Airlink Embraer 190 jets fly in formation over a packed DHL Stadium just before kickoff, drew international attention after video footage showed the aircraft passing extremely close to the stadium roof. According to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, the lead aircraft cleared the roof by an estimated 41 to 46 feet. The spectacle was part of a series of promotional flyovers for the rugby rivalry, with the first having taken place at Johannesburg's Ellis Park on August 22. In response to the public and media discussion following the Cape Town event, the SACAA initiated a compliance verification.