A thrilling pre-game stunt involving two passenger jets flying at dangerously low altitudes over a packed stadium in South Africa has ignited a heated debate over safety. The flyby occurred on Saturday before the highly anticipated second rugby union Test between South Africa and New Zealand at Cape Town Stadium, where an estimated 56,000 fans cheered the spectacle.

The lead jet, operated by local airline Airlink, reportedly passed just 41-46 feet (12-14 meters) above the stadium, while the second jet followed closely, flying through a cloud of pink dust released from the stadium roof.

Airlink, a sponsor of the South African rugby union team, asserted that the flyby adhered to all safety regulations. The airline emphasized the meticulous planning and rehearsal that went into the event, stating that the jets flew at 150 knots (172 mph) and were crewed by three senior captains each, including a commander, co-pilot, and safety officer. Notably, the jets were not carrying any passengers.

In a statement on Sunday, Airlink addressed the concerns raised on social media, highlighting the guidance and approval received from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Traffic Navigation Services to ensure safety during the flyby.

This event is part of a long-standing tradition of stadium flybys in South African rugby, dating back to the iconic Boeing 747 flyby before the 1995 World Cup final. However, this particular flyby was noted for being especially low, drawing global attention and numerous witness videos.

Aviation experts expressed concerns about the risks involved. Chris Martinus, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association South Africa, remarked that the lead aircraft's maneuvering was "a little bit uncomfortable" due to the minimal margin for error at such low altitudes. Keith Tonkin, an aviation consultant, warned that this incident sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to similar low-level operations by others, which could prove hazardous.