Indian Tejas fighter jet crash at Dubai airshow kills pilot Photo/Video/UPDATED

The Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow on November 21, killing the pilot, authorities confirmed.

“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 Dubai Media Office said in a statement on x, Caliber.Az reports. 

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. pic.twitter.com/LpdE87YjLM

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 21, 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the casualty, saying “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,” the service said. It added that “a court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have also opened an investigation.

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An Indian HAL Tejas combat aircraft crashed on November 21 during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show, sending a column of black smoke into the sky above Al Maktoum International Airport.

The jet went down at around 2:10 p.m. local time while performing for spectators at the biennial event. It was not immediately clear whether the pilot managed to eject or whether there were any casualties on the ground, Caliber.Az reports per AP. 

Witnesses heard sirens shortly after the crash as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Video from the area showed thick smoke rising from the far side of the airport, which is hosting one of the aviation industry’s largest trade shows.

The Dubai Air Show has drawn major announcements this year, including significant aircraft orders by Emirates and its sister carrier FlyDubai.

By Sabina Mammadli