Tragedy Strikes Dubai Air Show
A sombre mood fell over the Dubai Air Show on Friday, 21 November 2025, after an Indian-made HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight, resulting in the death of its pilot.
The single-seat aircraft was performing at a low altitude when it tragically plunged to the ground, erupting into a devastating fireball in front of spectators.
Details of the Accident
The incident occurred on the final day of the Middle East's premier aviation event. This marks only the second known crash of a Tejas fighter jet, with a previous accident having taken place during an exercise in India back in 2024.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moments leading up to the impact, with the aircraft's dramatic descent ending in a fiery explosion on the tarmac.
Investigation and Aftermath
In response to the fatal crash, the Indian Air Force has announced it will constitute a court of inquiry to determine the precise cause of the accident.
The focus will now turn to the investigation's findings, as the aviation community mourns the loss of the pilot and questions regarding the aircraft's safety record come to the fore.
