A serious incident was reported on the last day of the Dubai Airshow when an Indian-made HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed at Al Maktoum International Airport. The crash happened on Friday afternoon while the airshow activities were still going on, and large clouds of smoke were seen rising from the crash site.
Eyewitnesses at the venue said that the aircraft went down shortly after beginning its display sequence. Security personnel and emergency response teams quickly reached the area and cordoned off the site to manage the situation and prevent any public movement nearby.
Videos shared by visitors and aviation enthusiasts showed the jet losing control before hitting the ground, but the exact cause of the crash is still not known.
Early reports from the scene suggested that the pilot might not have ejected before the aircraft went down. However, officials have not confirmed this information, and more updates are expected once the investigation progresses.
Aviation experts believe that mechanical failure, technical malfunction, or a display-related error could have played a role, but a detailed inquiry will determine the real reason.
The Dubai Airshow, one of the world’s major aviation events, had been hosting several aircraft demonstrations, international delegations, and industry leaders throughout the week.
The crash created a moment of shock among participants, but organizers ensured that safety protocols were followed immediately and that the rest of the schedule continued without further disruption.
Authorities will release an official report after completing the investigation, which will include statements from witnesses, technical assessments, and a review of flight data.
The incident has raised questions about aircraft safety during high-speed demonstration flights and may lead to stricter rules in future events.
