SACAA Statement on the Airlink Flypast at the DHL Cape Town Stadium

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) confirmed that it was looking into the flypast that took place on Saturday, 29 August 2026, ahead of the international rugby fixture between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

Following the flypast, SACAA began compliance verifications and confirmed the following information at the time:

Airlink submitted three applications for flypasts related to the rugby matches, of which the flypast under discussion was the second. The applications were submitted in line with the regulatory provisions governing non-passenger or cargo-carrying flights conducted in terms of Part 91.06.32. Following SACAA approval, the first flypast took place on 22 August 2026 in Johannesburg, and the second took place on 29 August 2026.

In relation to the second flypast, the operator submitted the application with supporting documentation applicable to such operations. The necessary processes, including a practice flight in a simulator in preparation for the Saturday flight and a safety briefing, were conducted ahead of the operation as required by the regulations. This was approved by the Regulator in line with the requirements for Special Air Events.

Following various discussions in the media relating to the events of that weekend, SACAA initiated compliance verifications, engaged the operator, obtained the Flight Data Recording downloads and requested additional information.

The Regulator had begun its analysis process and requested further information from the operator to reach an informed position.
SACAA said a full report with recommendations would be shared with the operator once its assessment had been completed.
The Regulator was also notified by the operator on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, that it was withdrawing its application for approval for a third flypast that had been planned for the following weekend.

SACAA gave the public the assurance that aviation safety and security compliance would remain paramount and non-negotiable.
South Africa has one of the most sought-after aviation talents in the world, and SACAA stated that the country remained proud of its 0% record in fatal accidents in the commercial airline operations space for more than four decades.

SACAA said it intended to uphold this record into the future and that it was therefore critical to interrogate the events of the weekend using the available data to determine whether there were any safety concerns that warranted a review, while continuing to strengthen safety standards.

The regulator also stated that South Africa was ranked seventh globally and first in Africa for aviation safety standards by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, a United Nations specialised agency on civil aviation safety and security. SACAA attributed this to a culture of compliance and a South African aviation industry that prioritises aviation safety and security.