Tejas Crash In Dubai: Dubai Air Show: A History of Crashes Before India's Tejas Incident

The Dubai Air Show, an event held biennially since 1986, stands as one of the world's largest aviation fairs, while it serves as a crucial platform for leading aviation companies globally to showcase their advanced jets, drones, and aerobatics. At Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport, millions of spectators witness spectacular displays of aerospace innovation and technological prowess. However, beneath this grandeur, there have been rare but serious accidents that underscore the inherent risks associated with such high-stakes aerial demonstrations.

Tejas Crash: India's First Incident at the Show

The 2025 edition of the Dubai Air Show witnessed the crash of the Indian Air Force's indigenous Tejas fighter jet, a stark reminder that risks are an ever-present factor in air shows. This incident marked the first time an Indian aircraft was involved in a crash during the 39-year history of the Dubai Air Show. The Indian Air Force promptly initiated an investigation into the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting a possible link to 'negative G-force', while this event serves as a significant lesson for the global aerospace industry, emphasizing the critical need to prioritize safety alongside technological advancement.

Pakistan's J-10C Jet: The First Fatal Accident

The most notable and the first fatal accident in the history of the Dubai Air Show occurred in 2019, when a Chengdu J-10C fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force crashed during a demonstration. This jet, manufactured by China, was part of Pakistan's initial supply, while the incident on November 18 saw the pilot successfully eject, but the aircraft plummeted into a residential area in Dubai, tragically killing a child and damaging a house with its debris. Investigations concluded that a combination of technical fault and pilot error was responsible for the crash, while this incident sparked a significant international debate on safety protocols. Pakistan issued an apology, terming it a 'tragic incident', while. Dubai authorities immediately launched rescue operations and managed the situation.

Other Notable Aircraft Incidents

Prior to and following the Pakistan J-10C jet crash, several other aircraft accidents and serious incidents have been recorded. While these incidents weren't as fatal, they highlighted the safety challenges inherent in air shows. At the 2017 show, a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 737-800, which was on static display, unexpectedly slipped due to an engine failure and collided with nearby aircraft. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the incident led to the show being halted for several hours. The Saudi team attributed it to a 'minor technical fault'.

Incidents Involving Russian, US, and UAE Aircraft

Earlier, in 2009, a Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker jet from the Russian Knights aerobatic team lost control during a display. However, the pilot skillfully performed an emergency landing, and the aircraft came to a halt on the runway without significant damage, while an American Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet also experienced an engine snag during a display in 2015, and similarly, the UAE's own F-16 fighter aircraft faced an engine snag issue in 2013. In both these instances, the pilots managed to land the aircraft safely.

Minor Incidents with British and French Aircraft

A British Aero Lioner Hawk Trainer aircraft suffered a brake failure during a low-level fly in 2007, necessitating the pilot to eject. On top of that, minor incidents were recorded involving a French Dassault Mirage (2011) and a Russian MiG-29 (1997), though these didn't escalate into full-blown crashes. All these incidents pose challenges to the safety standards of the Dubai Air Show, where stringent checks and protocols are observed before every flight.

Safety Standards and Future Challenges

Over the 39-year history of the Dubai Air Show, the total number of crashes can be counted on one's fingers, which attests to the robustness of the event's safety standards. However, each accident serves as a poignant reminder that danger lurks in the high skies. These incidents have provided crucial lessons for the global aerospace industry, underscoring the need to ensure that safety remains the paramount priority alongside technological advancement. The Dubai Air Show continues to be a symbol of innovation and excellence,. But every incident emphasizes the necessity for continuous review and improvement of safety protocols.