South African carrier LIFT Airline has issued a statement regarding a low-altitude flyover conducted by two of its aircraft over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on May 27, after the event prompted public discussion and an investigation by aviation authorities. The flyover occurred before the United Rugby Championship final, which was attended by more than 50,000 spectators.
The aerial display featured two LIFT Airbus A320 aircraft flying in formation above the stadium as part of the pre-match entertainment. Video footage of the event circulated widely on social media, leading to questions from the public and aviation commentators regarding the altitude of the aircraft and the safety of the maneuver over a populated venue.
In a statement released following the event, LIFT Airline said the flyover was conducted with all necessary approvals. The airline stated it worked with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for several weeks to secure the required permissions.
“A huge amount of planning and professional coordination took place between the LIFT flight operations team, the SACAA, the City of Cape Town, and the event organisers,” the airline’s statement read. It added that a “full risk assessment was conducted” and that “all the required safety precautions were in place.” LIFT co-founder and CEO Jonathan Ayache confirmed the airline’s position, noting the extensive planning involved.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it is reviewing the incident. In a statement to the media, the SACAA said it had approved the flyover but is now investigating the execution of the maneuver to ensure it complied with all regulatory conditions.
“The SACAA is investigating the incident to ensure that the operator’s compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations was not compromised,” the authority stated. The review will determine if the aircraft maintained the approved flight path and altitude during the display.
The event involved the Stormers and Munster rugby teams, and the flyover was intended to be a highlight of the pre-game ceremonies. The incident has since opened a broader discussion on the regulations governing aerial displays over large public gatherings in South Africa. The outcome of the SACAA’s investigation has not yet been announced.
