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The statement came after backlash on social media, where people questioned the decision to continue the show following the fatal accident
Wing Commander Namansh Syal | Image: News18
The Dubai Airshow on Monday said its decision to continue the event after the tragic death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal was made as a tribute to the Indian Air Force pilot’s “passion for aviation”.
The statement came after backlash on social media, where people questioned the decision to continue the show following the fatal accident.
In a statement released on their official handle on X, the organisers expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of Wing Commander Syal, who tragically died after his Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying display on Friday.
The statement confirmed that the decision to proceed with the event had been taken after consulting with the team, and was “made to continue the show as a mark of respect and tribute to his passion for aviation.”
“The final displays after the incident were performed in his honour, and a formal service was held on Saturday to celebrate his life and contribution,” the organisers stated.
They added that their “heartfelt condolences remain with his family, colleagues, and all those affected.”
The incident took place around 2:10 pm local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, when Syal’s Tejas aircraft crashed in a ball of fire during its demonstration flight. The crash shocked the large crowd of spectators, including women and children, who witnessed the disaster from a nearby grandstand. The Tejas aircraft was scheduled for an eight-minute display.
The Dubai Airshow Organising Committee had previously issued a statement on Saturday extending its condolences to Syal’s family and the IAF.
“The Dubai Airshow Organising Committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the Indian Air Force pilot who lost his life in today’s aircraft crash,” the statement had stated.
This is the second accident involving the Tejas aircraft in less than two years. The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, though the pilot in that incident was able to eject safely.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
November 24, 2025, 22:28 IST
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