Normal view

South African airline defends dramatic low-level flyby before rugby union clash

31 August 2026 at 16:44
  • Cape Town stunt sparks major debate over safety risks

  • Airlink insists flyby conducted according to regulations

A pre-game stunt involving two passenger jets flying dramatically low over a stadium in South Africa drew huge cheers from the estimated crowd of 56,000 people, but also sparked a major debate over safety risks. The flyby by two Embraer jets, operated by the local airline Airlink, happened on Saturday before the second rugby union Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Cape Town.

The flight tracking service Flightradar24 estimated that the lead jet passed just 41-46 feet (12-14 metres) above the roof of Cape Town Stadium, with the crowd and the world’s top-ranked rugby teams below. The second jet, which was very close behind, flew through a cloud of pink dust that shot up from the stadium roof as part of the show.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: Jamie Rossouw/Reuters

© Photograph: Jamie Rossouw/Reuters

© Photograph: Jamie Rossouw/Reuters

100 ultramarathons in 100 days: former rugby pro hit by brain injury nears end of feat

31 August 2026 at 17:00

David ‘Jacko’ Jackson has aimed to raise awareness of brain injuries, with fellow runners sharing their stories

The key for David “Jacko” Jackson is to take each stage nice and gently. “It’s not about running fast,” he said. “It’s more like the hare and tortoise story. Slow and steady – and do it again tomorrow.”

So far, so good. Jackson, a former professional rugby player who retired after a traumatic brain injury, is nearing the end of an extraordinary bid to run 100 ultramarathons (50km, or about 30 miles) in 100 consecutive days.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: Francesca Jones/The Guardian

© Photograph: Francesca Jones/The Guardian

© Photograph: Francesca Jones/The Guardian

South African airline defends dramatic low-level flyby before rugby union clash

31 August 2026 at 16:44
  • Cape Town stunt sparks major debate over safety risks

  • Airlink insists flyby conducted according to regulations

A pre-game stunt involving two passenger jets flying dramatically low over a stadium in South Africa drew huge cheers from the estimated crowd of 56,000 people, but also sparked a major debate over safety risks. The flyby by two Embraer jets, operated by the local airline Airlink, happened on Saturday before the second rugby union Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Cape Town.

The flight tracking service Flightradar24 estimated that the lead jet passed just 41-46 feet (12-14 metres) above the roof of Cape Town Stadium, with the crowd and the world’s top-ranked rugby teams below. The second jet, which was very close behind, flew through a cloud of pink dust that shot up from the stadium roof as part of the show.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: Jamie Rossouw/Reuters

© Photograph: Jamie Rossouw/Reuters

© Photograph: Jamie Rossouw/Reuters

❌