In a tragic incident overshadowing the Dubai Air Show, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas Mk-1 fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight on 21 November 2025, killing its pilot. The aircraft went down while performing low-altitude manoeuvres around Al Maktoum International Airport. The crash has triggered a formal court of inquiry and raised questions about aircraft performance, air-show safety and decision-making at international events.
Despite the fatal accident, reports indicate that organisers chose not to cancel the remainder of the air show. The decision has drawn both criticism and detailed scrutiny, as several participants, including a US F-16 team, reportedly withdrew their performances out of respect.
What Happened
At approximately 2:10 pm local time on Friday, the Tejas demonstration ended in disaster. Eyewitness video footage shows the aircraft dropping altitude sharply, colliding with terrain close to the runway and erupting into a fireball with thick black smoke rising behind it.
The IAF confirmed the death of the pilot — identified as Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a 34-year-old officer from Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. He leaves behind a wife (also an IAF officer), a young daughter and grieving parents.
A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause, and Indian and UAE authorities are coordinating on the investigation. The precise cause — whether mechanical failure, manoeuvre error, or environmental factor — is yet to be established.
Decision to Continue Air Show Raises Eyebrows
While emergency crews responded rapidly, the show did not shut down immediately. Several aircraft displays resumed, and business transactions and exhibits continued. According to US pilot testimony, the decision to press on was “uncomfortable” given the circumstances.This has triggered debate over air-show protocol: should a fatal accident always lead to suspension of performances?
Critics argue that continuing compromises respect and may risk safety; supporters say the show must adhere to schedule under strict safety oversight. Organisers have not publicly explained their decision at time of writing.
Implications for the Tejas Programme and IAF
The Tejas Mk-1, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and part of India’s push for indigenously-designed combat aircraft, has now recorded two major incidents: one in March 2024 (pilot ejected safely) and this fatal crash within 20 months.
Experts say the crash will likely prompt scrutiny of:
- Flight-envelope limits for demonstration sorties
- Aerobatic safety protocols under humid/low-altitude conditions
- Maintenance and pre-show inspection regimes
- Event coordination between host-nation aviation authorities and exhibiting military teams
For HAL and the IAF, the incident is a reputational challenge as India seeks to export Tejas and showcase its defence manufacturing capabilities internationally.
Reactions and Mourning
Indian defence leadership offered condolences. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commented that the nation “stands firmly with the bereaved family in this tragic hour.” Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said all ranks of the armed forces deeply regret the incident.
In Syal’s home village of Patiyalkar, Himachal Pradesh, villagers mourn a local hero and remember his disciplined service and family legacy.
Safety and Governance Questions
The crash places renewed focus on:
- Air-show risk mitigation measures (especially for low-altitude high-G manoeuvres)
- Coordination across international military displays
- Whether adequate abort criteria exist for continuing shows after major accidents
- The balance between national prestige displays and personnel safety
Some air-show safety observers suggest that demonstration aircraft should adopt additional buffer altitudes and contingency abort protocols when flying over international events.
Outlook
The inquiry’s findings are eagerly anticipated. Depending on the outcome, possibilities include:
- Suspension or modification of Tejas display routines
- Revised maintenance/inspection protocols for participating in overseas shows
- Reinforced export assurances for the Tejas programme
- Policy review of air-show-continuance decisions in case of major incidents
In the short term, the IAF will focus on recovery, equipment trace-back, and bolstering fighter-display safety. For India-UAE defence engagement, the incident may inject caution into future demonstration commitments, at least until the inquiry completes.
