Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday expressed his “heartfelt” condolences to the family of the Indian Air Force pilot who lost his life in the Tejas plane crash at the Dubai Air Show. “I am deeply saddened by the demise of our brave Indian Air Force pilot in the Tejas plane crash at the Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to his family. The nation stands with him, honoring his courage and service,” he said.
Earlier on Friday, the Indian Air Force had announced the death of the pilot due to the crash and fire of a Tejas aircraft at the Dubai Air Show 2025. A statement issued by the Indian Air Force said, “A Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed during an air display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot suffered serious injuries in this accident. The Air Force is deeply saddened by the loss of life and property in this accident and is with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.” Standing.”
The Indian Air Force said a court of inquiry is being constituted to find out the cause of the crash, in which the pilot died of fatal injuries. A fighter plane crashed during a flight display on the final day of the ongoing Dubai Airshow at Al Maktoum International Airport. According to local media, the plane crashed while performing in front of a large crowd. According to Khaleej Times report, the fighter plane collided with the ground soon after take off. Photos and videos shared online showed plumes of black smoke rising from the grounded plane.
“As soon as the plane took off, it crashed. I don’t know which plane it was,” the news outlet quoted an eyewitness as saying. Helicopters and firefighters rushed to the scene, another eyewitness quoted by Khaleej Times said. “Everything is clear now. The entire incident was brought under control within about 45 minutes. We are not sure whether the program will resume or not,” he said.
The show was temporarily halted and spectators were sent back to the exhibition area, Gulf News reported. Rescue operations began immediately. The Dubai Airshow, one of the world’s largest airshows, began on November 17 and will run until November 24. More than 1,500 exhibitors are showcasing their art.