An Indian-built HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, sending up plumes of black smoke visible from Al Maktoum International Airport.
The incident occurred at around 2:10 pm local time, moments after the Tejas began its aerobatic display before thousands of spectators. The cause of the crash remains unclear, and early reports from the Associated Press said it was not immediately known whether the pilot managed to eject before impact.
Videos from the venue showed sirens blaring across the airfield as emergency teams rushed toward the crash site. Dense black smoke billowed from the area, briefly halting activities at the air show.
The biennial event, held at Dubai World Central, has been a major platform for global aircraft deals, including recent orders by Emirates and FlyDubai. The Tejas, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was participating as part of the Indian Air Force’s showcase at the event.
