FlySafair has been accused of trying to upstage Airlink after the former bragged about its multiple stadium flyovers. 

This comes after the South African carrier – one of the official sponsors of the Greatest Rivalry Series between the Springboks and the All Blacks – withdrew its application for a flypast over the FNB Stadium, following international headlines for its previous one at the DHL Stadium last weekend.

The airline has since volunteered to provide all necessary information about its flights in an official review by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

FLYSAFAIR ACCUSED OF TRYING TO UPSTAGE AIRLINK

Despite no longer being the official domestic airline of the Springboks, FlySafair has continued to post content of its tenure as sponsor over the years.

This includes posting images and videos of its flyovers over various stadiums in South Africa, such as Ellis Park and the DHL Stadium, as was recently done by Airlink, the official carrier of the South African and New Zealand rugby teams.

FlySafair have continued to incorporate the Springboks into their social media posts, resharing content from old campaigns.

🏉✈️ For nine years, and counting, we've proudly been the Trusted Domestic Carrier of the Springboks.

From staging multiple flyovers over packed stadiums 🎉 to rallying fans behind our champions, and backing the Boks through two world victories 🏆🏆, it's an honour to be the… pic.twitter.com/ZWmB0iAEk2

— FlySafair (@FlySafair) September 3, 2026

This one's for every Bok fan who's cheered since day one 💚💛 Here's to 9 years of pride, passion and partnership. #BeLekker #FlyLikeAChamp pic.twitter.com/HLzC0wQN6Y

— FlySafair (@FlySafair) August 29, 2026

✈️🏉 A defining shot from the skies, a team that's long carried the nation's pride. Captured here in support of our boys in green and gold💚💛🩷#BeLekker #FlyLikeAChamp pic.twitter.com/T2sgRZwbvb

— FlySafair (@FlySafair) August 29, 2026

Throwback to 2022, our second-ever flyover, at Ellis Park! Spectators were finally back in the stands to watch rugby live again, so we made it extra special and flew over twice before kick-off. #Memories #BeLekker #FlyLikeAChamp 🇿🇦✈️ -JV

— FlySafair (@FlySafair) August 22, 2026

The move, and particularly the timing, hasn’t gone unnoticed by the public.

@Byron_David7: “Shame, man. Look at you trying to remain relevant after all the attention @Fly_Airlink  got this week”

@valdesmongezi1: “I understand, all exes are bitter nowadays”

@kingqueman: “After you saw the Airlink withdrawal, you couldn’t wait to post this”

@AldrinSampear: “Personally, I think a sentiment that congratulates the Airlink pilots would have been more powerful. Sometimes there is more impact in shaking hands with your competitors, just like in rugby”

but the train has already left the station… https://t.co/8tapI0nxbD

— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) September 3, 2026

NEW SPONSORS

FlySafair was the official domestic airline for the Springboks between 2017 and 2024, succeeding that of South African Airways.

In 2024, SA Rugby stated its intention to broaden its commercial horizons and attract global brands, with several sponsor contracts renegotiated as part of a wider commercial overhaul.

In June, Airlink became the exclusive domestic carrier for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, flying the Springboks, All Blacks, coaches and support staff between South African venues.

SA Rugby’s 2024 commercial reset has brought in new sponsors such as Airlink, Pick n Pay, FNB, Betway, and Coca-Cola.