‘Uncomfortable for me…’: US F-16 pilot criticises Dubai Air Show for continuing after Tejas crash

US F-16 pilot Captain Taylor Hiester expressed disbelief after witnessing the Dubai Air Show proceed despite the tragic crash of an Indian Tejas fighter jet that killed Wing Commander Namansh Syal.

Hiester said his team had been preparing for their performance when the accident occurred. While they cancelled their display out of respect, the rest of the show continued as planned.

When Hiester returned to the venue an hour later, he was shocked to see the announcer maintaining high energy and the audience enjoying the event, despite the tragedy. “It was uncomfortable for me,” he said, reflecting on his mixed feelings of shock and unease. He recalled the poignant scene left behind: the Indian maintenance crew standing by an empty parking spot, the aircraft ladder on the ground, and the pilot’s belongings still in his rental car.

Hiester criticised the organisers for pressing on, questioning the “show must go on” approach. He said that while the adage holds, it is important to remember the show continues even when people are gone, highlighting the value of team bonds over external glitz.

Members of the US F-16 team, along with a few others, chose to cancel their performances as a mark of respect for Wing Commander Syal, his colleagues, and family. Hiester described returning to the site after the fire was extinguished, hoping to find a quiet space, only to find the show continuing. The experience left a deep impression on him, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and the personal cost of maintaining appearances amid tragedy.