New Delhi: Former Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain, Vir Chakra awardee, Abhinandan Varthaman has officially embarked on a latest journey in his career. Reputation of the fighter pilot has been earned after almost 22 years of service in the Indian Air Force, where he went on to serve as a commercial pilot with regional airline FLY91.
According to multiple reports, Varthaman retired from the IAF on March 31, 2026 and joined the FLY91 in Goa in August. He is in the process of training and other procedures necessary to begin regular commercial flight operations.
After the India vs Pakistan aerial battle on February 27th, 2019, Varthaman was a celebrity in India. On the second day of Indian Air Force’s air strikes on Balakot, Pakistani planes were seen flying near the LOC, resulting in an aerial duel.
Flying a MiG-21 Bison, Varthaman took part in the air combat and India said he shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet. Later it was his own plane that got hit and he ejected over Pakistani land. He was arrested by the Pakistani armed forces and detained for three days, after which he was set free on March 1, 2019.
In 2021, Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra, one of the highest wartime gallantry awards in India, for his courageous actions and valiant effort during the aerial engagement in 2019. Eventually he was promoted to Group Captain.
He is switching from military aviation to commercial flights with FLY91. The airline has been flying ATR 72-600 planes and has bases in Goa and Hyderabad. In March 2024, FLY91 started its commercial flights.
After training and acquiring the necessary clearances, Varthaman is expected to fly passengers on FLY91’s regional routes.
The transition from fighter to commercial aviation is a new phase in the flying career of the fighter pilot who had served with the Indian Air Force for over two decades.
