A United States Air Force (USAF) F-16 demonstration pilot has publicly criticised the Dubai Air Show 2025 organisers for continuing with the event’s flying schedule despite the tragic crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet that killed Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
Major Taylor “Fema” Hiester, Commander of the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, announced on Instagram that his team cancelled their final performance “out of respect to the IAF pilot, his colleagues and family.” He expressed shock that the air show continued as usual, with crowds cheering and announcers proceeding enthusiastically, even as the IAF grappled with the death of one of its fighter pilots.
“I Expected the Show to Stop… It Didn’t”
Hiester described walking through the airshow grounds just hours after the crash, expecting sombre silence and cancelled displays. Instead, he found preparations continuing for upcoming routines.
“It was uncomfortable for me to imagine my team walking out of the show site without me to a rock and roll track as the next performer prepared,” he wrote, adding a poignant reminder: “The show must go on… But remember, someone will say that after you’ve gone too.”
The Tragic Crash
Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life on Friday after his HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic manoeuvre at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport. Shocking visuals showed the aircraft spiralling down before bursting into flames. The pilot was unable to eject.
The incident prompted deep grief across the IAF and defence community. Hiester’s post also highlighted emotional tributes from international teams and raised questions about air show protocols following fatal crashes.
Final Journey of Wing Commander Syal
Syal’s mortal remains were flown to Air Force Station Sulur in Tamil Nadu, where they were received with full military honours. They were later transported to his native Patiyalkar village in Himachal Pradesh, accompanied by a solemn convoy of military and civilian vehicles.
In a heartbreaking farewell, his wife, Wing Commander Afshan, saluted her late husband while holding their six-year-old daughter. The fighter pilot was cremated with full military honours and a gun salute in Kangra district.
The incident has sparked discussions within global aviation circles about safety, respect, and how airshows should respond to fatal accidents—especially when they involve serving military personnel.
