Mzansi, prepare to fly your wiiings as Red Bull Flugtag returns to the V&A Waterfront for the first time since 2012

IOL News

3 days ago

Red Bull is calling on South Africa's boldest and most imaginative minds to take flight as Red Bull Flugtag prepares to land at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, for the first time since 2012.
On Sunday, 2 November 2025, flight crews made up of up to four teammates will launch their handcrafted flying machines off more than 25-foot-high flight deck in the hopes of soaring, gliding into the harbour. Do you believe you have the creativity and courage for this? If so, you can apply now at Red Bull Flugtag entries will close on 31 July 2025, the final team lineup will be revealed in August.
Red Bull Flugtag will take place in South Africa for the third time. The last time it touched down was in 2012, when a jaw-dropping 220,000 spectators packed the V&A Waterfront to witness pure flying madness. That year, Team Bulls Eye took the crown with a flight distance of 17.09 meters, impressing not just with distance but with flair and originality.
Red Bull athlete and South African aerobatic pilot Patrick Davidson is just as excited as the fans. 'Red Bull Flugtag is unlike anything else — it's aviation, creativity, and chaos all rolled into one,' says Davidson. 'It gives everyday people the chance to test the impossible, entertain the crowd, and maybe even fly. There's a saying in aviation, 'If it looks good, it flies good.' We'll see if that applies on Flugtag day!'
Up to 40 teams will be judged on the design of their flying craft, the creativity of their pre-flight skit, and the distance of their flight. Winners will take home exclusive Red Bull experiences, meet-and-greets with Red Bull athletes, and more. The judging panel will be made up of an incredible lineup of local personalities and aviation experts to be announced soon.
Globally, Red Bull Flugtag has thrilled fans in over 50 countries, with more than nine million spectators watching gravity-defying attempts to fly. From Greased Lightning (Portland, 2008) to Flight at the Roxbury (Pittsburgh, 2017) and 2023 champions Flite Test (Cincinnati), the event has become a cult favourite. The world record for the longest Flugtag flight? A whopping 258 feet (78.6meters) set by The Chicken Whisperers in Long Beach, California in 2013.
Whether you participate in the flight, experience a mishap, or simply want to observe the excitement — Red Bull Flugtag Cape Town 2025 will be a memorable experience.
Competing teams from South Africa will be announced later as will the panel of judges and even more surprises! Be sure to follow @RedBullZA on Instagram and TikTok.