South Africa airline behind viral stadium flyby scraps repeat display

South African aviation authorities are reviewing a low-altitude flyover by two Airlink passenger planes at an international rugby match in Cape Town last weekend.

The regional airline, meanwhile, said it had canceled another flypast scheduled for Saturday's rugby test between South Africa and New Zealand in Johannesburg this weekend, citing unfavorable weather.

In a statement, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) said it was carrying out a "compliance verification" of the August 29 flyover at Cape Town's DHL stadium to ensure "all safety protocols were adhered to by the crew."

Footage of the flyby, showing two planes in formation passing over the crowd, was widely shared on social media and prompted discussion about potential safety risks.

According to flight-tracking website Flightradar24, the lead aircraft passed less than 15 meters (50 ​feet) above the top of the packed stadium.

The SACAA said it was analyzing flight data provided by Airlink and would go over additional information requested from the carrier before issuing a report.

The regulator said the airline had made applications for the flyovers, which were approved in line with the requirements for special air events.

Airlink, for its part, said the maneuver had been carefully planned and rehearsed, with safety being "the first consideration at every stage of the process."