Abhinandan Varthaman Joins FLY91 After IAF Exit
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who became nationally known after the 2019 aerial confrontation with Pakistan, has taken premature retirement from the IAF and joined Goa-based regional carrier FLY91 as a commercial pilot.
Abhinandan Varthaman Begins Commercial Aviation Career
Varthaman, 43, retired from the Indian Air Force in March 2026 and joined FLY91 in August, according to reports.
The airline has not disclosed details of his specific flying responsibilities, citing employee privacy.
FLY91 began commercial operations in March 2024 and currently operates ATR 72-600 aircraft. The regional airline has bases in Goa and Hyderabad and focuses on improving air connectivity between smaller Indian cities.
Abhinandan Shot Down Pakistani F-16 in 2019
Varthaman was then a Wing Commander when India and Pakistan engaged in an aerial confrontation on February 27, 2019, following the Balakot air strikes.
Flying a MiG-21 Bison, Varthaman engaged Pakistani aircraft and was credited by India with shooting down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 before his own aircraft was hit.
He ejected and landed in Pakistan-administered territory, where he was taken into custody by Pakistani forces.
Varthaman was released and returned to India on March 1, 2019, after spending around three days in Pakistani custody.
Vir Chakra Awarded for Aerial Combat
Varthaman was subsequently awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry decoration, for his actions during the aerial engagement.
His award citation praised his courage and “exceptional sense of duty” while confronting a numerically superior enemy formation.
He later returned to flying duties and was promoted to the rank of Group Captain before eventually leaving military service.
His move to FLY91 marks the beginning of a new career in civilian aviation after more than two decades associated with military flying.
