Plane crashes at Dubai air show, killing pilot

Friday, 21 November 2025 12:22

A plane has crashed at the Dubai Air Show, killing the pilot.

The Indian HAL Tejas, a combat plane used in the Indian Air Force, crashed at around 2.10pm local time (10.10am UK time) during a demonstration flight as a crowd of spectators watched on.

Video footage of the aftermath of the crash showed black smoke rising over the Al Maktoum International Airport, which was hosting the biennial air show.

The plane appeared to lose control and dive directly towards the ground just before crashing.

The Indian Air Force later confirmed the pilot died in the crash.

"IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," it added.

"A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident."

The pilot had flown across the site of the air show several times.

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On Thursday, India's Press Information Bureau dismissed social media claims that a Tejas aircraft had leaked oil while on display at the air show.

In a statement on X, the bureau described the posts as "false".

It was unclear whether the aircraft referenced was the same one that crashed on Friday.

Last year, a Tejas fighter jet crashed in India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, but the pilot ejected safely.

Sky News

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