An Indian Air Force (IAF) HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon, killing its pilot, according to Indian media reports.
The aircraft went down at approximately 2:10 pm local time while performing a manoeuvre for spectators gathered at Al Maktoum International Airport.
According to Indian media, thick black smoke could be seen rising from the Tejas crash site as stunned visitors — including families, children, and aviation enthusiasts — looked on. Several bystanders captured the dramatic incident on their phones, and videos of the crash quickly circulated online.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot managed to eject before impact, and official details about injuries or damage remain limited.
The crash follows an earlier social media controversy from the same air show, where footage showed fluid dripping from a Tejas aircraft.
Indian officials clarified that the liquid was condensed water released from onboard systems such as the Environmental Control System and the oxygen generation unit — a normal process, especially in humid climates — and not evidence of an oil leak or malfunction.
