Tejas crash at Dubai Airshow: Who was IAF pilot Namansh Syal?

Dubai: The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who died after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday has been identified as Wing Commander Namansh Syal, officials confirmed.

Syal, a native of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, was performing a demonstration when the fighter aircraft went down at Al Maktoum International Airport.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed condolences on X, calling the officer “courageous and dutiful.” The IAF said it “deeply regrets the loss of life” and has ordered a court of inquiry.

This marks the second crash involving the Tejas fighter jet since its induction into the IAF in 2016.

Who was Wing Commander Namansh Syal?

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 34, hailed from Patiyalkar village in Tehsil Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra district. He is survived by his wife—also an IAF officer—their six-year-old daughter, and his parents.

According to district officials, Syal studied at Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira. He was commissioned into the IAF on 24 December 2009, as listed on the Bharat Rakshak website.

Relative says the pilot was awaiting a promotion

A relative, Ramesh Kumar, said Syal’s parents were at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu when the news came. His wife was in Kolkata attending a professional course. Syal’s father, Jagannath Syal, previously served in the Indian Army’s medical corps before retiring as a school principal.

Himachal Pradesh has plunged into mourning, with leaders and locals expressing deep shock. Chief Minister Sukhu said the nation had “lost a brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot,” while former CM Jairam Thakur described the news as “extremely heartbreaking.”

Villagers gathered outside the family home upon hearing the news. His uncle, Joginder Nath Syal, told ANI: “People of the village have gathered here and all are very sad.”

Ramesh Kumar added: “At 34, he was a squadron leader. He was a very humble man. He had been expecting a promotion.”

What did the Indian Air Force say about the crash?

The IAF confirmed the fatal crash in a statement: “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family.”

A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the incident.

Footage captures final moments of Tejas crash

Footage, obtained exclusively by Gulf News staff in Dubai, captures the final moments of the Tejas fighter jet that crashed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, killing the pilot. The video shows the aircraft performing its manoeuvres just before it suddenly lost altitude and plunged sharply toward open ground near spectators.

The video shows the aircraft executing manoeuvres moments before it suddenly lost altitude and sharply descended toward open ground near spectators.

What did eyewitnesses see at the Dubai Airshow?

Spectators reacted in shock as a column of smoke rose from the crash site, with emergency and firefighting teams rushing to the scene immediately. The airshow was temporarily halted, and visitors were directed back to exhibition areas as rescue operations continued.

Many witnesses described the incident as “shocking” and “tragic.” Some said the pilot attempted a last-minute manoeuvre to steer the aircraft away from spectators, highlighting the heroism amid the tragedy.