DUBAI, UAE — A plane crashed Friday during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, sending black smoke over the airport as spectators watched in shock.
The aircraft, an Indian HAL Tejas, went down around 2:10 p.m. local time while performing a demonstration flight for the audience, which included women and children. The status of the pilot’s ejection was not immediately confirmed.
The incident occurred during one of the high-profile aerobatic displays of the show, which featured Fursan Al Emarat, the aerobatics demonstration team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force. Spectators reported seeing black smoke rising from the crash site, causing panic and alarm among the crowd. Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene immediately.
Officials have not yet released further details regarding the cause of the crash or any injuries, and the event continues to be investigated by aviation authorities.
The Dubai Air Show is one of the world’s premier aerospace events, showcasing military and civilian aircraft, cutting-edge technology, and international defense partnerships.
