Dubai [UAE], November 21 (ANI): The Dubai Media Office on Friday reported that emergency teams and firefighters reached the site of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas crash and are managing the situation. The Media Office confirmed the tragic death of the pilot.
In a post on X, the Dubai Media Office stated, “A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site.”
The IAF said the Tejas aircraft crashed during the Dubai Air Show 2025. “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the IAF stated.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan also expressed condolences. “General Anil Chauhan, CDS, and all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff said.
The aircraft went down around 2:10 p.m. local time while performing an aerial display before a large crowd, local media reported. Gulf News stated that spectators at the airshow witnessed the crash from viewing enclosures near the runway, while Khaleej Times reported that the fighter jet crashed into the ground shortly after takeoff. Photos and videos shared online showed plumes of black smoke rising from the aircraft.
An eyewitness told Khaleej Times, “As soon as the plane took off, it crashed. I am not sure which aircraft it was.” Another said helicopters and firefighters rushed to the scene. “It is all clear now. Within about 45 minutes, the entire incident was taken care of. We are not sure if the programme will restart,” the eyewitness added.
Gulf News reported that the show was temporarily halted, and visitors were directed back to the exhibition area.
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