21 November,2025 09:36 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondent
The accident occurred at Al Maktoum International Airport around 2:10 pm local time on the final day of the show. Pic/Screengrab/PTI Videos
A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a flight demonstration at the Dubai Air Show 2025, the Indian Air Force confirmed on Friday.
In an official statement, the IAF said that the pilot in the Tejas jet crash in Dubai sustained fatal injuries in the incident.
It said that a court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.
"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," an official statement released on X by the IAF stated.
The accident occurred at Al Maktoum International Airport around 2:10 pm local time on the final day of the show.
"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," a statement from the official account of the Government of Dubai Media Office said.
The plane went down shortly after take-off while performing an aerial display in front of a large crowd. Eyewitnesses reported seeing plumes of black smoke rising from the aircraft, and emergency teams, including helicopters and firefighters, rushed to the scene. The show was temporarily halted, and visitors were directed back to the exhibition area.
In an official statement, the Chief of Defence Staff said, "The General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of 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 Dubai Airshow, one of the world's largest airshows, began on November 17 and will continue until November 24. The event features over 1,500 exhibitors showcasing aircraft, technology, and defence equipment.
Further details are awaited.
