Abhinandan Varthaman Retires From IAF, Joins Goa-Based Airline FLY91

Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, the Indian Air Force pilot who became widely known after the 2019 India-Pakistan aerial confrontation, has retired from the IAF and started a new chapter in civilian aviation. According to reports, the decorated fighter pilot has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot. Varthaman retired from the Indian Air Force on March 31, 2026, after nearly 22 years of service. He reportedly joined FLY91 in August and is currently undergoing the training and other formalities required before beginning commercial flight operations.

His move to the airline industry comes more than seven years after he became a household name following the February 2019 aerial engagement between Indian and Pakistani aircraft. At the time, Varthaman was serving as a Wing Commander and was flying a MiG-21 Bison during the confrontation.

The encounter took place on February 27, 2019, a day after the Indian Air Force carried out strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked target in Pakistan's Balakot. During the subsequent aerial engagement, Varthaman was credited by India with shooting down a Pakistani F-16. His own MiG-21 was later hit, forcing him to eject over territory controlled by Pakistan.

Varthaman was captured by Pakistani forces and remained in custody for nearly three days before being handed back to India at the Wagah-Attari border on March 1, 2019. Images and videos of his return attracted widespread attention in India and abroad. His conduct during the operation was later recognised with the Vir Chakra, one of India's wartime gallantry awards. He was presented the award in 2021. Varthaman subsequently continued his career in the Indian Air Force and eventually rose to the rank of Group Captain.

After more than two decades in military aviation, his reported move to FLY91 represents a significant career transition. Unlike fighter aircraft, commercial aircraft operations involve passenger safety, airline procedures and civilian aviation regulations, requiring pilots moving from military service to complete the relevant training and certification process. FLY91 is a regional airline headquartered in Goa and began commercial operations in March 2024. The carrier operates ATR 72-600 aircraft and focuses on connecting destinations across India's regional aviation network.

Varthaman's reported entry into commercial aviation has attracted attention because of his distinctive military career and the events that made him one of India's most recognisable fighter pilots. His transition from flying a MiG-21 in the Indian Air Force to potentially operating passenger flights represents a new phase in a career that has already been closely followed by the public. While his past remains strongly associated with the 2019 India-Pakistan aerial confrontation, his new role is expected to shift the focus toward civilian aviation as he begins the next chapter of his professional life.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.