A general view of the iconic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG - Airlink has withdrawn its application for a flypast over the FNB Stadium ahead of Saturday's much-anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks clash.
The withdrawal of the application was confirmed by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) in a statement on Wednesday.
The aviation authority also confirmed it is looking into the flypast over the DHL Cape Town Stadium on 29 August 2026 during the international rugby fixture between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
According to SACAA, Airlink submitted three applications for flypasts linked to the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour.
The first took place on 22 August in Johannesburg, while the second took place on 29 August in Cape Town.
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These applications were submitted in line with the regulatory provisions governing non-passenger or cargo-carrying flights
“In relation to the second flypast, the operator submitted the application with supporting documentation applicable to such operations.
"The necessary processes, including the practice flight in a simulator in preparation for the Saturday flight and a safety briefing was conducted ahead of the operation as required by the regulations...” SACAA said.
However, following questions raised over the past weekend flypast, the SACAA launched compliance verifications, engaged the operator, obtained the Flight Data Recording downloads as well as other additional requirements.
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SACAA says the country is ranked seventh globally for our aviation safety standards.
But remains critical that it will interrogate the past weekend's events with clear minds and data at its disposal in order to determine whether there were any safety concerns, that warrant a review.