Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Abhinandan Varthaman Reportedly Joins FLY91 After IAF Career
Abhinandan Varthaman was a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force.
He became famous after an air battle involving India and Pakistan in 2019.
Reports say he shot down a Pakistani F-16 during that fight.
His own aircraft was then hit, and he had to eject.
He was captured and held in Pakistan for three days.
He later received India’s Vir Chakra gallantry medal.
News reports now say he is flying passenger planes for FLY91.
FLY91 has not confirmed this because it does not discuss private employee information.
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman reportedly joined FLY91 as a pilot in August.
FLY91 declined to confirm the appointment, saying employee information is private.
Varthaman became known for the February 27, 2019, aerial combat with Pakistani aircraft and his three-day captivity.
Reports say he shot down a Pakistani F-16 before his aircraft was hit and he ejected over enemy territory.
FLY91 began operations in March 2024 and operates six ATR 72-600 aircraft from Goa and Hyderabad.
- Who
- Abhinandan Varthaman, a former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee.
- What
- He reportedly joined regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot.
- When
- Sources said he joined in August; the year was not specified in most reports. One report said he retired from the IAF in March 2026 and joined the airline the following month, creating a timing discrepancy.
- Where
- FLY91 is based in Goa, with operational bases in Goa and Hyderabad; one report said Varthaman is flying from Goa airport.
- Why
- Reports describe the move as a transition from military fighter aviation to civilian passenger aviation, but no official reason was provided.
Reported Account
Official Confirmation
Reported appointment
Reported Account
Sources cited by PTI and other reports said Varthaman joined FLY91 as a pilot in August.
Official Confirmation
FLY91 declined to confirm or deny the appointment, saying employee information is private; Varthaman has made no official statement in the supplied reports.
Departure from the IAF
Reported Account
Several reports said Varthaman retired or quit the Indian Air Force after roughly 22 years of service; one report gave his retirement as March 2026.
Official Confirmation
The supplied articles do not include an official retirement announcement, and the reported joining and retirement timing is inconsistent.
Aircraft involved in 2019
Reported Account
Several reports specifically identify the aircraft Varthaman shot down as a Pakistani F-16.
Official Confirmation
Other reports describe it only as an enemy jet, and the supplied articles do not provide independent confirmation or a Pakistani response.
- Reported new role
- Pilot with regional airline FLY91
- Reported joining date
- August; the year was not specified by most sources
- Former military position
- Indian Air Force Group Captain
- 2019 combat
- Reports say Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 before ejecting from his damaged aircraft
- Captivity
- Held in Pakistan for three days after the aerial combat
- Military honour
- Received the Vir Chakra; most reports say it was awarded in 2021, while one report says 2019
- FLY91 operations
- Started flying in March 2024 and operates six ATR 72-600 aircraft
Sources
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman joins regional airline FLY91 as pilot
Fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, known for his role in post-Balakot operations, joins Goa-based airline as pilot
From Downing A Pakistani Jet To Flying Passengers: Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman Joins FLY91
Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman begins flying for regional carrier FLY91
Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pakistan jet, takes flight with Goa airline FLY91
Balakot hero Varthaman joins Hyd airline FLY91 after retiring from IAF
