Airlink is defending its pre-match flyby over Cape Town Stadium before Saturday's second Test between the Springboks and All Blacks, after the stunt drew both loud approval from the 56,000-strong crowd and significant safety concerns.

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 estimated the lead Embraer jet passed just 12-14 metres above the stadium roof, with the trailing aircraft flying through a cloud of pink dust that had been ejected from the roof as part of the spectacle. Airlink insists the flyby was conducted in accordance with regulations.