Dubai Airshow crash: Tejas pilot’s remains flown home in special IAF flight

The mortal remains of late Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the pilot who died in the Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Airshow, were repatriated to India on Saturday.

In a solemn ceremony that moved many, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal and Consul General of India to Dubai Satish Sivan paid their heartfelt respects to the young Air Force officer, whose untimely demise has left the nation in mourning.

A special IAF aircraft carried Wing Commander Syal’s remains from the UAE back home, marking the final journey of a brave officer.
The Emirati Defence Forces honoured him with a ceremonial guard of honour, reflecting the deep respect and camaraderie between the armed forces of the two nations.

Syal, a native of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, was performing an aerial demonstration during the airshow when the fighter aircraft went down.

Officials, colleagues, and well-wishers gathered in a poignant display of solidarity and grief, paying tribute to his life and legacy with prayers and solemn ceremonies.

Mourning his untimely demise, the Indian Air Force described him as a “dedicated fighter pilot” and a “thorough professional.”

“He served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unyielding sense of duty. His dignified persona earned him immense respect through a life devoted to service, and was visible in the send-off attended by UAE Officials, colleagues, friends, and the officials of the Indian Embassy,” the IAF said in a social media post.

“The IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honours his legacy of courage, devotion and honour. May his service be remembered with gratitude.