Dubai Airshow 2025 crash: UAE salutes Tejas pilot as IAF repatriates remains to India
Emirati and Indian officials pay tribute to Wing Commander Namansh Syal
DUBAI – A special Indian Air Force flight repatriated the remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Tejas pilot who died in the Dubai Airshow 2025 crash.
His final departure from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was marked by a ceremonial salute from the Emirati Defence Forces.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal and Consul General in Dubai Satish Sivan paid their last respects, joining officials and military personnel in mourning a life devoted to duty.
Ambassador Deepak Mittal and CG Satish Sivan paid their respects to Late Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) November 22, 2025
A special IAF aircraft transported his mortal remains back to India.
The Emirati Defence Forces honoured the Indian braveheart with a ceremonial guard of honour. pic.twitter.com/iOz6msG8Zt
Tejas crash at Dubai Airshow
The 34-year-old pilot from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district was performing an aerial manoeuvre in the indigenous HAL Tejas fighter jet when it crashed at around 2.10pm on the final day of the airshow.
The aircraft nosedived and burst into flames, drawing shock and grief from the global aviation and defence community.
How was he honoured?
A special IAF aircraft carried his mortal remains on Saturday, accompanied by ceremonial honours from the UAE military. Officials and well-wishers gathered at the airbase, paying tribute to his service and courage.
The Indian Embassy confirmed that military protocols were observed in full respect of his role and sacrifice.
Who was Namansh Syal?
Wing Commander Namansh Syal, remembered as a “dedicated fighter pilot” and a “thorough professional” by the IAF, had served with unwavering commitment and exceptional skill.
His dignified persona, the IAF said, earned him immense respect, reflected in the solemn send-off attended by UAE officials, diplomatic representatives, colleagues, friends, and defence personnel.
The Indian Air Force deeply mourns the tragic loss of Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the unfortunate Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 22, 2025
A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill… pic.twitter.com/1XytMiFWsG
In a social media tribute, the IAF stated it stood in solidarity with his family, honouring his legacy of devotion, courage, and duty.
This incident marks only the second known crash involving a Tejas aircraft, but the first fatal accident at an international airshow.