Indian fighter jet crashes at Dubai Air Show, pilot’s fate unknown

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet met with a tragic accident during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon, marking a somber conclusion to the high-profile event. The incident unfolded at approximately 2:10 pm local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, the designated venue for the biennial air show, in front of a stunned audience. The pilot’s condition remains uncertain, with no immediate confirmation on whether the ejection mechanism was activated. Witnesses recounted seeing thick black smoke billowing from the crash site, followed by the urgent wail of sirens echoing across the Dubai World Central venue. The crash has cast a shadow over the otherwise celebratory atmosphere of the air show, raising concerns about the safety protocols and the future of such high-risk demonstrations. Authorities are expected to launch a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.