What happened at the Dubai Air Show?

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed while performing aerial display at Dubai Air Show on Friday. The event was taking place at the Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Dubai.

What happened to the pilot?

The pilot of the Tejas jet, who has not been identified so far, was declared dead by the Indian Air Force in a statement.

What did the IAF say?

The Indian Air Force said it regretted the loss of life. "An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. 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 IAF said on X.

What has host country UAE said?

The United Arab Emirates government confirmed the accident and said that "firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site". In an X post, the UAE's Ministry of Defence said: "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."

What we know about the Tejas jet

Tejas is a 4.5-generation fighter aircraft designed and built by India's HAL. The fighter jet is capable of handling offensive air support, close combat and ground attack missions while also capable of performing ground and maritime operations. This makes it one of India’s most adaptable indigenous platforms. It has a single-seat fighter variant for the Air Force and the Navy, besides a twin-seat trainer version for each service.

What caused the fatal accident?

The cause of the deadly crash, which resulted in the death of the pilot, is not yet known. The Indian Air Force said it has constituted a court of inquiry to "ascertain the cause of the accident".

IAF Tejas crashes at Dubai air show: What we know so far

Dubai airshow crash | Tejas Jet Crash in Dubai Today: The fighter aircraft was taking part in an aerial display event when it entered a steep decline, killing its pilot.

A bystander watches as an Indian HAL Tejas crashes during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo)

Dubai Airshow Plane Crash: An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during the Dubai Air Show on Friday. The fighter jet was taking part in an aerial display event when it entered a steep decline, killing its pilot.

Here’s what we know so far about the Tejas crash at Dubai air show

01
What happened at the Dubai Air Show?
An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed while performing aerial display at Dubai Air Show on Friday. The event was taking place at the Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Dubai.
02
What happened to the pilot?
The pilot of the Tejas jet, who has not been identified so far, was declared dead by the Indian Air Force in a statement.
03
What did the IAF say?
The Indian Air Force said it regretted the loss of life.

"An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. 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 IAF said on X.
04
What has host country UAE said?
The United Arab Emirates government confirmed the accident and said that "firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site".

In an X post, the UAE's Ministry of Defence said: "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."
05
What we know about the Tejas jet
Tejas is a 4.5-generation fighter aircraft designed and built by India's HAL. The fighter jet is capable of handling offensive air support, close combat and ground attack missions while also capable of performing ground and maritime operations. This makes it one of India’s most adaptable indigenous platforms. It has a single-seat fighter variant for the Air Force and the Navy, besides a twin-seat trainer version for each service.
06
What caused the fatal accident?
The cause of the deadly crash, which resulted in the death of the pilot, is not yet known. The Indian Air Force said it has constituted a court of inquiry to "ascertain the cause of the accident".

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