IAF Brave Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman Joins Private Airline

September 3, 2026

New Delhi: Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down a Pakistani F-16 during the 2019 India-Pakistan air conflict, has now entered commercial aviation. He has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot.

Abhinandan Varthaman retired from the Indian Air Force on March 31. According to reports, he joined FLY91 in August and will fly passenger aircraft after completing the necessary training and formalities.

Became a National Hero After the 2019 Air Strike

Abhinandan Varthaman gained national attention after the February 2019 air conflict between India and Pakistan. During this air conflict, he targeted a Pakistani F-16, but his MiG-21 Bison was also damaged and he had to eject within Pakistani territory.

He was then taken into custody by the Pakistani Army. He returned to India on March 1, 2019, approximately 60 hours later. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for his bravery and indomitable courage.

Journey from Fighter Jet to Passenger Plane

After retiring from the Air Force, Abhinandan Varthaman has now begun a new chapter in his aviation career. After extensive experience flying fighter jets, he will now be seen flying commercial passenger planes.

Abhinandan’s transition from a military pilot to a commercial pilot is being seen as a significant change in the Indian aviation world.