(DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES) An Indian Air Force pilot was killed on Friday when a HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Air Show, turning a family day at one of the world’s biggest aviation events into a scene of shock and grief and raising hard questions for a military that often sends its personnel and aircraft abroad for training, exercises, and public demonstrations.
The light combat aircraft went down at about 2:10 p.m. local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, part of the Dubai World Central complex, on the final day of the week-long show. Eyewitness videos shared on social media showed the Indian-built jet losing control and diving almost straight toward the ground before slamming into the airfield and erupting in flames, sending thick black smoke into the sky as crowds looked on from the grandstand area.
According to people at the venue, many families, including large groups of Indian expatriates living and working in the United Arab Emirates, had gathered to watch the last flying displays of the Dubai Air Show when the accident happened. One Indian expat, Shajudheen Jabbar, who was watching with his wife and daughter, said the pilot appeared to try to avoid the spectators in his final seconds.
“From the way the flight turned before it went down, I strongly feel the pilot tried to save the spectators. It’s so unfortunate that he couldn’t escape,” he said, describing a scene that will likely stay in the memories of many migrant families who had come for a day of entertainment.
Immediate official response and inquiry
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that the pilot “sustained fatal injuries in the accident” and said it “deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.” The IAF also announced that a court of inquiry will be set up to find out what caused the crash.
The inquiry is expected to examine:
– Technical issues and flight data
– Operating procedures used when Indian crews deploy overseas for public shows
– International cooperation practices during demonstrations and events
Emergency response and airshow operations
Officials in Dubai said emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes. The Dubai Media Office and the UAE Ministry of Defence both confirmed the incident and said firefighting and medical teams moved quickly to contain the fire and secure the crash site.
In a sign of how major global air shows balance safety with expectations, flying at the Dubai Air Show resumed roughly an hour and a half later. The Russian Knights aerobatics team performed while emergency crews continued their work nearby.
Strategic and symbolic impact for India
For India, the loss of a HAL Tejas during such a high-profile event goes beyond a single tragedy. The aircraft is a key symbol of the country’s push to build its own military hardware and reduce reliance on imports.
The Tejas is:
– A lightweight, single‑engine fighter
– Produced by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
– Promoted at global events as a platform for potential foreign buyers and to deepen defence ties
The aircraft’s presence at the Dubai Air Show was meant to showcase this growing program and signal India’s rise as a defence producer while highlighting cooperation with host countries that have significant Indian expatriate populations.
Recent procurement context
- In September 2025, India’s Defence Ministry signed a contract to buy 97 additional Tejas jets for the Indian Air Force, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
- This followed an earlier 2021 agreement for 83 aircraft.
- Deliveries under the first contract have been delayed because engines must be imported from the United States.
Impact on the pilot’s family and consular procedures
When a service member dies on foreign soil, families must navigate both grief and practical steps. Typical procedures include:
1. Issuance of travel documents for family members
2. Possible emergency visas for relatives
3. Close coordination between consular staff and local authorities for repatriation and legal formalities
Analysis by VisaVerge.com notes that families dealing with sudden deaths abroad frequently must handle immigration, repatriation, and legal paperwork while coping with their loss—especially in hubs like Dubai that host large numbers of foreign workers under varied permit categories.
Indian nationals in the UAE who wish to travel back to India for funerals or to support grieving relatives must ensure their own status and documentation remain in order even in a time of shock. Local immigration procedures managed by authorities such as the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, which provides official information on entry and residence rules at www.gdrfad.gov.ae, can become a practical concern as families decide whether to stay in the Gulf or return to India temporarily or permanently after such an event.
Broader implications for air shows, defence diplomacy, and migration
The accident highlights intersections among aviation safety, defence presentation, tourism, and migration. The Dubai Air Show draws government delegations, defence firms, and thousands of foreign visitors each edition, including many who arrive on short‑term visas.
When a frontline fighter from a partner country like India crashes before a mixed audience:
– Officials must consider safety reviews and potential changes to display protocols
– The incident sends a wider message to potential buyers about equipment and operational robustness
– It resonates with migrant workers and expatriates, whose lives often depend on stable work and visa conditions
Ongoing investigations and possible outcomes
While investigators from the Indian Air Force and local Emirati agencies work to determine what went wrong with the HAL Tejas during its final manoeuvres, affected families and witnesses will continue to process the event.
Possible longer-term outcomes from the court of inquiry may include:
– New rules for display flying
– Updated safety margins
– Additional training requirements for aerobatic teams representing the IAF overseas
For many Indian expats raising children in the Gulf on temporary residence permits, the image of a pilot apparently steering away from the stands may deepen a sense of connection to the country they left behind, and a recognition of the risks carried by those in uniform who travel abroad as part of India’s growing global role.
For now, the charred patch of runway at Al Maktoum International Airport stands as a stark reminder that behind every sleek aircraft promoted at events like the Dubai Air Show lies a network of people crossing borders on visas and military orders, and one pilot whose final flight ended far from home.
A HAL Tejas from the Indian Air Force crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Air Show, killing the pilot. Emergency services contained the fire and flying resumed later. The IAF has opened a court of inquiry to examine technical issues, procedures for overseas displays, and international coordination. The crash raises concerns about display safety, the Tejas program’s supply-chain reliance on imported engines, and the diplomatic impact on defence promotion.
