There will be no flyover above FNB Stadium ahead of Saturday's Springboks vs All Blacks test after Airlink withdrew its application for a third flypast, citing the South African Civil Aviation Authority's ongoing investigation into last weekend's low-level pass over DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
The SACAA confirmed on Wednesday that Airlink had originally submitted three applications for flypasts tied to the Rugby Championship fixtures. The first took place on 22 August 2026 in Johannesburg and the second — featuring two Embraer E-Jets — on 29 August in Cape Town. That Cape Town flyover drew global attention and triggered a public safety debate.
The regulator confirmed it had initiated compliance verifications following the Cape Town incident, engaging the operator, downloading Flight Data Recordings and requesting additional information. The SACAA noted that the second flypast had been properly applied for, supported by a simulator practice flight and a safety briefing conducted ahead of the operation, and was approved under Part 91.06.32 governing Special Air Events.
Despite that regulatory sign-off, the authority said its analysis is ongoing and that a full report with recommendations will be provided to Airlink once the assessment is complete. Airlink notified the SACAA on Wednesday that it was withdrawing the third application.