Fighter Pilot Abhinandan Who Crashed in Pakistan, Shot Down F-16 Quits Indian Air Force, Joins Private Airline

Fighter pilot Abhinandan, who downed Pak jet, retires from IAF, joins Goa airline

Former IAF Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based airline FLY91 as a pilot, sources said. The move follows the Vir Chakra awardee's retirement in March after his widely noted 2019 aerial combat role.

IAF hero Abhinandan Varthaman, who downed Pak jet, joins private airline

Varthaman, who downed an enemy jet during an aerial combat with Pakistan in 2019 and was held captive for three days in that country, was honoured with the Vir Chakra award in 2021.

Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman joins regional airline FLY91 as pilot

FLY91, which started flying in March 2024, currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft. The airline's two bases are Goa and Hyderabad

Fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, known for his role in post-Balakot operations, joins Goa-based airline as pilot

Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was awarded Vir Chakra for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 during a dogfight over the Line of Control (LoC) on February 27, 2019. He was held captive for three days in that country.

Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Who Shot Down Pak Jet, Retires From IAF And Joins Goa Airline: Report

In 2019, Varthaman was conferred the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal, for displaying an "exceptional sense of duty" during the dogfight.