Abhinandan Varthaman, IAF Pilot Who Shot Down Pak F-16, Retires From Air Force and Joins Goa Airline FLY91

Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, the IAF pilot who shot down a Pakistani F-16 in the 2019 aerial engagement following the Balakot strikes, has retired from the Indian Air Force and joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot.

Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, the decorated Indian Air Force pilot who became a household name after shooting down a Pakistani F-16 in 2019, has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot following his retirement from the IAF.

"Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot."

Varthaman, who was awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, in 2021 for his actions during the aerial engagement, joined the airline in August 2026. His move to commercial aviation comes after a distinguished career in the IAF.

The 2019 Aerial Engagement

On February 26, 2019, the IAF carried out an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed facility in Balakot, Pakistan, days after a terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama killed 40 personnel. The following day, Pakistani fighter jets attempted to launch an aerial attack, prompting the IAF to scramble aircraft to intercept them.

Varthaman, then a Wing Commander with the Srinagar-based 51 Squadron, was flying a MiG-21 Bison when he engaged a Pakistani F-16. The IAF said he shot down the Pakistani fighter before his own aircraft was hit. Varthaman ejected over territory controlled by Pakistan and was taken into custody by the Pakistani Army. He was released three days later following intense diplomatic and political pressure from India.

A New Chapter in Commercial Aviation

Varthaman was subsequently promoted to Group Captain. His transition to commercial aviation marks a new chapter for the celebrated fighter pilot, who has now joined FLY91, a regional airline based in Goa.

Here is the question this move raises. A Vir Chakra awardee who shot down a Pakistani F-16 in a MiG-21 Bison has now retired from the IAF and joined a commercial airline. When a celebrated fighter pilot swaps the cockpit of a fighter jet for a commercial aircraft, does it signal the end of one chapter or the beginning of another in a life defined by service?

FAQ:

Q: Who is Abhinandan Varthaman?
A: Abhinandan Varthaman is a former Group Captain in the Indian Air Force who shot down a Pakistani F-16 during an aerial engagement in February 2019. He was awarded the Vir Chakra for his actions.

Q: Why is Abhinandan Varthaman famous?
A: He became widely known after shooting down a Pakistani fighter jet during the aerial engagement that followed India's Balakot air strikes in February 2019. He was captured by Pakistan and released three days later.

Q: What has Abhinandan Varthaman done after retiring from the IAF?
A: After retiring from the Indian Air Force, Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot.

Q: When did Abhinandan Varthaman join FLY91?
A: He joined FLY91 in August 2026.

Q: What is FLY91?
A: FLY91 is a Goa-based regional airline in India.