"It's a well-known fact that we have the best pilots in the world."- Gayton McKenzie
Picture: Social media /@lizetteshaw
This weekend, South Africans found themselves with more than one reason to cheer. The Springboks’ thrilling 33-26 victory over the All Blacks at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium set the stage. However, it was not just the rugby that captured the nation’s imagination.
Moments before kick-off, the sky above the packed stadium came alive as two Airlink Embraer E190 aircraft soared overhead. One was draped in Springbok colours and the other in All Blacks livery.
ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS! 🇿🇦✈️
– ˗ˏˋ CrimeInSA ˊˎ˗ (@sa_crime) August 30, 2026
The fly-past that has the world talking! Experienced Airlink pilots performed a spectacular fly-past over Cape Town Stadium during the #RSAvNZL rugby match.
The fly-past was carefully rehearsed and received the thumbs-up from SACAA, ensuring a… pic.twitter.com/WXRa5wkfYg
The crowd erupted in cheers, with thousands of fans rising to their feet, waving flags and soaking in the spectacle. Moreover, the buzz and excitement in the air were electric, setting the perfect tone for the drama that was about to unfold on the field.
😱😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/CyPB2QvlOB
– Captain Springbok (@CaptSpringbok) August 29, 2026
The spectacular display quickly became an international talking point. Videos of the planes appearing to skim the stadium roof went viral and prompted debate among aviation enthusiasts and social media users.
Gayton gives the pilots their flowers
It’s a well known fact that we have the best pilots in the world, that was spectacular, next time I will ask the pilots to land on the field, prepare to be amazed further. pic.twitter.com/bgDYyNrrNM
– Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 30, 2026
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie was firmly in the corner of the pilots. He took a humorous swipe at those questioning the stunt.
“It’s a well-known fact that we have the best pilots in the world; that was spectacular. Next time, I will ask the pilots to land on the field; prepare to be amazed further,” he said.
South Africans, naturally, embraced the moment
While the Springboks were busy putting the All Blacks under pressure on the field, social media users were celebrating the pilots for delivering their own pre-match masterclass in the sky.
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson also joined the conversation, calling the criticism “laughable”. He said he was looking forward to seeing what the pilots had planned for the next match.
Airlink responds to the international stir
Airlink has defended the flyover, saying the performance was carefully planned and rehearsed. The airline explained that each step was coordinated with aviation authorities and involved multiple practice flights to ensure flawless execution. Before the match, the crews conducted rigorous simulation training and route familiarisation exercises.
Special safety protocols were followed, including real-time communication with air traffic control and emergency response units on standby. This helped ensure the safety of everyone involved, as well as the spectators on the ground.
The airline said the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services provided guidance, approvals and support for the fly-past.
According to Airlink, highly experienced crews operated both aircraft. Each plane carried three senior captains serving as commander, co-pilot and safety or technical officer. Furthermore, the airline said flight data confirmed that the aircraft operated within the approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits.
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
The flyover added another layer of drama to an already electric weekend, but the biggest celebration belonged to the Springboks.
Their victory levelled the series at 1-1, setting up a mouthwatering decider in Johannesburg this weekend. And if Gayton gets his way, South Africans may want to keep their eyes on the sky.
When it comes to Bok rugby, the entertainment does not stop when the whistle blows.
