Dubai Airshow 2025: A Remarkable Showcase Marked by Innovation, Growth & Tragedy

Every two years, the Dubai Airshow transforms Al Maktoum International Airport into one of the world’s most influential stages for aerospace and defence innovation. The 2025 edition was no exception—brimming with technology, global participation, record-breaking deals and historic firsts. Yet, despite its brilliance, the event was overshadowed by a heartbreaking tragedy involving Indian Air Force Officer Wing Commander Namansh Syal.

Report by Paul Johnson, Flightline UK. All photography by the author.

A Rapidly Evolving Global Hub

In just a decade, the Dubai Airshow has gone from a growing regional showcase to a full-scale global aerospace powerhouse, now competing head-to-head with Farnborough and Paris. The numbers speak for themselves:

115 participating nations
1,500+ exhibitors, including 440 first-time participants
248,788 trade visitors
16,623 public attendees at the Skyview area

The show’s rapid expansion mirrors the growth and ambition of Dubai itself. New networking concepts—such as the Party on the Runway event at SkyDive Dubai and Airshow After Dark featuring a drone show—added to the show’s vibrant, future-forward atmosphere.

The event also brought thousands of students from the UAE’s colleges and universities, further strengthening Dubai’s focus on STEM education and aerospace careers. A new mascot, “Falco,” was introduced to engage the youngest visitors.

Record-Breaking Deals and Market Shifts

While Farnborough and Paris traditionally dominate aviation headlines, Dubai made waves in 2025 with over $202 billion in signed deals—double the value recorded in 2023.

Major highlights included:

Emirates Airlines

Order for 65 Boeing 777-9s
Order for 8 Airbus A350-900s

flyDubai’s Major Shift

The biggest surprise was flyDubai—traditionally an all-Boeing operator—signing:

MoU for at least 150 Airbus A321neo aircraft
MoU for 75 Boeing 737 MAX jets, plus options for 75 more

This strategic move hints at an expanded long-haul future for the carrier.

Etihad Airways

Purchase of 16 aircraft: A330-900s, A350-1000s, and the A350F.

These orders underline the Middle East’s accelerating influence in global air transport.

Inside the Exhibition Halls: Drones, eVTOLs, and Space Tech

The exhibition halls were packed with activations and futuristic displays. Notable highlights included:

Drone Technology Dominance

Military and civilian drone concepts filled significant floor space.
The UAE’s EDGE Group showcased a sweeping lineup of RPAS platforms, while China’s CATIC displayed the Wing Loong-X and modernised fighter updates such as the J-10CE and J-35.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

A dedicated pavilion highlighted the future of urban aviation—including cutting-edge eVTOL concepts.

Growing Space Sector

The UAE Space Agency took centre stage, joined by exhibitors from China, Europe, and Russia—reinforcing the region’s increasing investment in space exploration.

Russia’s Significant but Isolated Presence

With many global airshows restricted due to sanctions, Dubai remains one of the few stages where Russia can display its aerospace technologies.

Highlights included:

Su-75 Checkmate (model) including unmanned variant
Upgraded Su-57 with new thrust-vectoring design
Yak-130M debut, showcasing structural and avionics upgrades
Outdoor static displays of the Ka-32A11M, ANSAT, Yak-130M and Il-76MD-90A

The Su-57 drew particular global attention, especially after Russia announced delivery of two export variants to an undisclosed customer—widely believed to be Algeria.

The U.S. ‘Corral’ – Strength in Presence

The U.S. Department of Defense and AIA hosted a major static display featuring:

F-15E Strike Eagle – “Billy the Kid” with extensive mission markings
A-10C Thunderbolt II
F-16CM Fighting Falcon
C-130J-30 Hercules II
HC-130J Combat King II
KC-46A Pegasus

The U.S. Navy and Army were also well-represented with MH-60S Seahawk, UH-60M Blackhawk and AH-64E Apache helicopters.

Daily concerts by the 9th Air Force Band added a unique cultural touch.

Massive UAE Government & Defence Participation

The UAE showcased a vast array of aircraft, including:

Golden Boeing C-17A Globemaster III
Airbus A330MRTT
CN295M
Mirage 2000-9EAD
F-16E Desert Falcon
SAAB GlobalEye

The future fighter lineup was represented by a French Air Force Rafale C with UAE-developed weapons.

Transport aircraft contenders—the KC-390 Millennium and Airbus A400M—were also present for evaluation.

Business, General Aviation & COMAC’s Big Debut

Commercial manufacturers were out in full force:

Highlights:

Gulfstream G800
Airbus ACJ319, A220-300
Boeing corporate variants
Embraer E195-E2 & E190F

COMAC Makes its Mark

China’s COMAC made a historic debut with:

C919 (China Eastern Airlines livery)
C909CBJ business jet variant

This marked a major step in COMAC’s ambition to expand into Middle Eastern and African markets.

Daily Flying Displays: Spectacular Yet Somber

The 3.5-hour daily flying program was a blend of defence diplomacy, cutting-edge aircraft demonstrations and aerobatic performances.

Tragic Loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal

The final day was overshadowed by a fatal crash involving the HAL Tejas Mk1 flown by Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
The accident occurred during recovery from a negative-G manoeuvre.
A tribute ceremony was held the following day.

Opening Flypast: A Grand Celebration of UAE Aviation

The opening flypast showcased over 40 aircraft representing:

UAE Joint Air Command helicopters
Border security & military transport aircraft
Commercial giants from Emirates, Etihad and flyDubai
UAE Air Force fighters & tankers including Mirage 2000-9, F-16E Desert Falcon, A330MRTT & C-17

It was one of the most impressive opening sequences in airshow history.

Flying Displays: From Solo Jets to Aerobatic Teams

UAE Armed Forces

F-16E Desert Falcon
Mirage 2000-9EAD—possibly its final Dubai appearance
Fursan Al Emarat’s debut on new L-15 Falcons
- New livery designed by Mirco Pecorari
- Retained classic manoeuvres including the Double Helix

Commercial Giants

Boeing 777X-9
Airbus A350-1000
COMAC C919

Historic First: Joby JAS4-1 eVTOL Air Taxi

Dubai hosted its first eVTOL flying display, marking a future where air taxis may become routine transport.

EDGE Group

Bader B-250T aerial display
Jet Suit demonstration with Gravity Industries

International Military Displays

Russian Su-57 Felon – dramatic high-alpha manoeuvres
Dassault Rafale C – flown by Capitaine Jean-Brice Millett
RAF A400M flypast
USAF F-16 Viper Demo & F-35A Demo
B-52H & P-8A flypasts

Aerobatic Teams Bring International Flair

Four teams participated:

Baltic Bees (Latvia)
Russian Knights (Russia) flying six Su-35S
Marche Verte (Morocco) – CAP232 aircraft with stunning smoke art
Surya Kiran (India) – nine Hawk Mk132s with double smoke systems

The South Korean Black Eagles were scheduled but unable to attend due to diplomatic issues.

Final Thoughts

Dubai Airshow 2025 was one of the busiest, largest and most influential editions yet—highlighting the UAE’s rise as a global aerospace leader. But despite the innovation and excitement, the show will forever be associated with the tragic loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal.

The next edition, Dubai Airshow 2027, is scheduled for 15–19 November 2027, and expectations are already high.