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Airlink Cancels Planned Flyby Ahead of Rugby Clash Due to Weather

Airlink has canceled its flypast before the Springboks-All Blacks match, citing weather forecasts and regulatory review.

3 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Airlink Cancels Planned Flyby Ahead of Rugby Clash Due to Weather — Archive photoPhoto: Kevstan · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The South African airline Airlink has announced the cancellation of its planned flyby during the Rugby Championship clash between the Springboks and All Blacks. This decision comes as the country’s aviation regulator, the South African Civil Aviation Authority, reviews a similar flyby that took place the previous weekend.

Reports indicate that two passenger jets flew at altitudes of less than 50 feet over Cape Town's DHL Stadium during the earlier display, which has prompted further scrutiny by the authorities.

On Wednesday, Airlink stated it had withdrawn its application for a formation flyby that was scheduled to occur ahead of the match at Johannesburg's FNB Stadium.

The airline cited forecasts of unfavorable weather conditions as the primary reason for canceling the event. Specific details regarding the weather predictions have not been released.

The airline's previous flyover attracted significant attention on social media, leading to discussions about the safety and regulation of such low-flying displays.

As the investigation by the aviation authority continues, it remains unclear when or if similar flybys will be permitted in the future.

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