A United States Air Force pilot has sharply criticized the organizers of the Dubai Airshow after they allowed flying displays to continue despite the fatal crash of an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter that killed Wing Commander Namansh Syal. Major Taylor “Fema” Hiester, Commander of the USAF F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, said he was stunned that the airshow carried on “as if nothing had happened,” prompting his team and several others to cancel their final performances out of respect for the fallen Indian pilot.
In a deeply emotional Instagram post, Hiester said his team was preparing for their own display when they received word that the flying schedule would continue even after the tragedy. Expecting the show site to fall silent, he said he found it “not empty, not down, not off.” According to him, the airshow announcer maintained an upbeat tone, and the crowd continued cheering subsequent performances, with the event ultimately ending with congratulatory messages to sponsors and participating teams.
Hiester wrote that it was disturbing to imagine his team taking the stage “to a rock and roll track” so soon after a pilot had just lost his life. “The show must go on is what they always say. And they’re right. But just remember someone will say that after you’ve gone too,” he added, noting that some teams chose to withdraw as a mark of respect.
Wing Commander Namansh Syal died on Friday when his indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed during a manoeuvre at Al Maktoum International Airport. Dramatic footage showed the jet spiralling to the ground before erupting into flames, and Syal was unable to eject in time. The crash shook the international aerospace community, especially as Syal was performing a demonstration highlighting India’s indigenous aircraft capability.
Syal’s mortal remains were flown to Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu, where they were received with full military honours, and then taken to Himachal Pradesh. In his village in Kangra district, he was cremated with full state and military honours. His wife, Wing Commander Afshan, holding the couple’s six-year-old daughter, delivered a final salute through tears as family, villagers, armed forces personnel and officials gathered to bid farewell to the decorated fighter pilot.
