Published: 06:35 BST, 30 August 2026 | Updated: 17:07 BST, 30 August 2026
This is the moment two planes narrowly missed the roof of a packed stadium as they performed a skillful low-level flyover ahead of a rugby match.
Two Airlink Embraer E-Jets were seen soaring over DHL Stadium in Cape Town ahead of South Africa’s game against New Zealand on Saturday afternoon.
The jets – an Embraer E190 and an Embraer E195 – were between 41ft and 46ft above the roof of the 55,000-capacity venue, according to flight radar.
Multiple clips show the planes passing over the stadium as colorful pyrotechnics are blasted above the roof.
Different angles displayed the back of the planes coming skillfully close to the roof of the stadium.
In a particularly impressive manoeuvre, the leading jet pitched up as it passed over the last stand, dropping its tail near the roofline while the second followed closely behind.
Airlink, which is an official partner of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, praised the 'spectacular scenes' the planes put on. It has since said both jets flew within 'approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits'.
The flight required careful planning and rehearsal, as the pilots had to navigate at low altitude, at around 150 knots. The two aircraft were flown by experienced crew, each comprised of three senior captains operating as commander, co-pilot and safety officer.
Two planes narrowly missed the roof of DHL Stadium in Cape Town as they performed a skillful low-level flyover
One of the Airlink Embraer E-Jets skims along the roof of DHL Stadium in South Africa
Video captured on Saturday at the stadium appeared to show a dangerous low-level flyover
An Airlink Embraer E-Jet breezes through colorful pyrotechnics let off at the top of the stadium
Despite the apparent proximity, there was never any indication that a dangerous incident could have happened because of the low-altitude flyover
A similar fly-by took place before the 1995 Rugby World Cup final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, where South Africa beat New Zealand.
