Published: 06:35 BST, 30 August 2026 | Updated: 12:32 BST, 30 August 2026
This is the moment two planes narrowly missed the roof of a packed stadium as they performed a dangerous 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 seemingly coming close to grazing the roof of the stadium.
In a particularly frightening 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 claimed both jets flew within 'approved and rehearsed safety altitude and speed limits'.
However, social media users were left aghast, calling the stunt 'dangerous' and 'moronic'.
One of the Airlink Embraer E-Jets skims along the roof of DHL Stadium in Cape Town, 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
One online commenter called the flyovers 'absolutely unnecessary and dangerous.'
'That was close,' a second user added, sharing a video where a jet's wing looked like it nearly struck the stadium.
