Indian Tejas fighter jet crashes at Dubai Airshow, pilot confirmed dead

Emergency services at the site/Image: Dubai Media Office

An Indian-made HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on 21 November 2025, around 2:10 p.m. local time, the organisers confirmed. The incident occurred at Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central) during a scheduled aerobatic display.

The pilot of the aircraft has been declared fatally injured, according to the Indian Air Force. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the crash.

Emergency services and firefighters responded immediately to the crash site, where a plume of black smoke was seen rising over the airport. The demo flight programme was temporarily suspended as rescue operations were underway.

While no other injuries have been confirmed at this stage, the full circumstances of the incident—including whether the pilot ejected and what malfunction may have occurred—are still under investigation.

The Dubai Airshow, one of the region’s largest aerospace events, is being closely watched by the global defence and aviation industry as it reviews the incident.

Incident Timeline

• ~ 1:30 p.m. local time: The aerobatic display begins, including performances by other teams such as the Surya Kiran, drawing crowds near Al Maktoum International Airport.

• ~ 2:10 p.m.: The Tejas jet appears for its scheduled performance in the lineup.

• ~ 2:13 p.m.: The aircraft initiates a steep climb or aerobatic manoeuvre. It then appears to lose altitude rapidly and plunges toward ground. Eyewitnesses report a black plume of smoke.

• ~ 2:15 p.m.: Emergency and firefighting teams arrive at the crash site; rescue operations begin immediately. The pilot’s death is later confirmed.

• Shortly after: The air show organisers pause aerial displays; spectators are directed back to exhibition areas for safety.

• Later: The Indian Air Force confirms the pilot sustained fatal injuries and announces a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.