Daijiworld Media Network - Shimla
Shimla, Nov 23: The mortal remains of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who lost his life in a Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Air Show, were brought to his native Himachal Pradesh on Sunday and cremated with full military honours.
Wing Commander Syal, 34, hailed from Patiyalkar village near Yol in Nagrota Bagwan tehsil of Kangra district. A highly skilled fighter pilot with an exemplary service record, he was posted at the Hyderabad airbase. He is survived by his wife, Squadron Leader Afsaan, also an IAF officer, and their five-year-old daughter.
Syal’s parents — his father Jagan Nath, an ex-serviceman and former principal in the Himachal Pradesh Education Department, and his mother Bina Devi — were in Hyderabad visiting him when the tragedy occurred on November 21. The HAL-designed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft he was flying during a low-altitude aerial display at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport reportedly lost control, crashed, and burst into flames.
The Southern Air Command’s Media Coordination Centre paid tribute on X, writing: “Honouring Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Dubai Air Show on 21 Nov 2025. His courage, skill, and dedication to the nation will forever inspire us. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.”
In its statement, the IAF remembered him as a dedicated fighter pilot and a consummate professional whose unwavering commitment and exceptional skill defined his service. His dignified presence, the IAF said, earned deep respect — reflected in the heartfelt send-off attended by UAE officials, colleagues, friends, and officials from the Indian Embassy.
“The IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honours his legacy of courage, devotion and honour. May his service be remembered with gratitude,” the force said.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed condolences, describing Syal as “a brave son of India taken far too soon.” Minister for Youth Services and Sports Yadwinder Goma and local MLA Raghubir Singh Bali represented the state government at the cremation, along with several political leaders.