Dubai: A fighter jet taking part in the Dubai Airshow crashed during an afternoon flying display on Friday, sending thick smoke into the air and forcing organisers to suspend shows for the rest of the day. The aircraft was identified as an Indian made Tejas light combat jet that was performing a demonstration when it went down near the runway area.

The crash happened shortly after two in the afternoon at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central. Emergency teams rushed to the site as spectators were moved away from the viewing zones. Flights in the display schedule were immediately halted as a safety measure.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the jet lose control before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Video clips shared online showed a plume of black smoke rising above the airshow grounds. Officials have not yet confirmed the condition of the pilot or whether an ejection took place. Local authorities and airshow organisers said they were working closely with Indian officials to gather more information.

There has been no statement on what caused the accident. Aviation experts said investigations will look at technical issues, pilot controls and weather conditions. Some online claims suggested an earlier oil leak from the aircraft, but Indian defence authorities rejected this and stated that the Tejas had shown no such problem during the event.

The Tejas fighter jet is one of India’s key indigenous defence projects and has been showcased internationally as part of export efforts. The crash is expected to draw attention to aircraft safety standards and the impact on India’s defence marketing at a major global platform. Defence agencies from both countries are preparing detailed reports.

The Dubai Airshow, known for attracting large international crowds and major aviation companies, continued its ground exhibitions, but flying displays were suspended following the incident.

More updates are expected once officials complete the initial assessment at the crash site.