Dubai, UAE – A pilot from the Indian Air Force (IAF) died on Friday, November 21, 2025, after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show. The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time at the Al Maktoum International Airport, the venue for the biennial air show.
The aircraft, a HAL-built Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, crashed while performing a maneuver during an aerial display. Eyewitness footage circulating on social media showed the plane appearing to lose control before diving towards the ground and crashing within the airfield. Black smoke billowed from the crash site as sirens wailed, while spectators, including families, watched in shock.
The IAF confirmed the crash and the pilot's fatal injuries in an official statement. The pilot was identified as Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 37, a resident of Patialkadh in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
"IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the IAF stated. The Air Force has initiated a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.
The Dubai Airshow, which runs from November 17-21, has attracted significant attention with major aircraft orders from Emirates and FlyDubai. However, the tragic accident cast a pall over the event on its final day.
This is the second crash involving a Tejas fighter jet in recent times. On March 12, 2024, a single-engine Tejas fighter jet crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan during a tri-services exercise; however, the pilot ejected safely in that instance.
Condolences have poured in following the incident. Rahul Gandhi, a leader of India's opposition party, expressed his condolences via social media platform X, stating, "Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to his family. The nation stands with them, honouring his courage and service".
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed his grief, describing Syal as "a brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot". Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed his anguish at the loss of the IAF pilot, offering condolences to the bereaved family. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, also expressed his regret and offered condolences.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas aircraft, expressed their sadness and extended condolences to Syal's family.
