Tragic Accident at Dubai Airshow: Indian Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes, Pilot Confirmed Dead
A fighter aircraft crashed during an aerial display on the final day of Dubai Airshow 2025, killing the pilot in front of shocked spectators.
An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on Friday afternoon around 2:15 pm marking a tragic end to the five-day aviation event at Al Maktoum International Airport.
Video footage shared online showed a huge explosion after the aircraft hit the ground, with thick smoke rising into the sky. The incident happened while the jet was performing aerial maneuvers in front of a large crowd of visitors.
Dubai Media Office confirmed that emergency services and firefighting teams responded quickly to the scene. The outdoor exhibition area was immediately cordoned off, and visitors were asked to move back to the main exhibition halls for safety.
Pilot Did Not Survive
The Indian Air Force expressed deep grief following the death of the pilot and said it stands firmly with the family in this difficult time. The identity of the pilot has not been officially released yet.
According to the Indian Air Force statement, a court of inquiry is being set up to find out the exact cause of the accident .
Eyewitnesses Describe the Incident
One witness at the airshow said the plane crashed soon after takeoff. Videos filmed by spectators show the aircraft performing its routine before suddenly losing control and diving toward the ground.
Another witness said people started running and screaming when they saw the explosion, and ambulances arrived quickly at the scene.
About the Tejas Fighter Jet
The HAL Tejas is India’s homegrown light combat aircraft, developed as part of the country’s “Make in India” program. It is a single-engine fighter jet designed for both air defense and ground attack missions.
This is the second crash of a Tejas fighter jet in less than two years. The first incident happened during a training exercise in Rajasthan in 2024, where the pilot managed to eject safely.
Airshow Suspended After Accident
The Dubai Airshow, which began on November 17, was scheduled to run until November 24. Following the crash, all remaining flying displays were canceled, and many visitors started leaving the venue by 3 pm.
The Dubai Airshow is one of the biggest aviation events in the world, bringing together more than 1,500 exhibitors from across the globe to showcase the latest in aircraft, defense technology, and aviation equipment.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
