Abhinandan, captured by Pakistan, ‘retires’ from IAF, joins private airline

WEB DESK: Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhi Nanandan Varthaman, who was held captive for three days after Pakistan shot down his MiG-21 fighter jet during Operation Swift Retort in February 2019, has taken premature retirement from the IAF and joined Goa-based regional carrier FLY91 as a commercial pilot, India media reported.

Varthaman left the Indian Air Force on March 31, 2026, after completing about 22 years of service, according to officials familiar with the matter. He subsequently joined FLY91 in August, news agency PTI reported.

The airline has bases in Goa and Hyderabad and currently operates six ATR 72-600 aircraft.

A FLY91 spokesperson declined to comment on Varthaman’s employment, saying information concerning individual employees was private, Indian Telegraph reported.

Varthaman, now 43, became a prominent figure in India-Pakistan military history on February 27, 2019, when he was involved in an aerial engagement along the Line of Control, a day after India’s air strike in Balakot.

According to India’s account and his Vir Chakra citation, Varthaman, then a Wing Commander with the IAF’s 51 Squadron, was flying a MiG-21 Bison when he engaged Pakistani aircraft.

His citation says he shot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own aircraft was hit, forcing him to eject over Pakistani-controlled territory.

Varthaman was captured by Pakistani forces after ejecting from his aircraft and remained in custody for three days.

Pakistan released him on March 1, 2019, in a move that came amid intense tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

He was awarded India’s Vir Chakra, the country’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, for what the citation described as his “exceptional sense of duty” during the aerial engagement. He was subsequently promoted to Group Captain in December 2021,Hindustan Times reported.

Despite suffering injuries during the ejection, including spinal and rib injuries, Varthaman underwent medical assessments and returned to fighter-flying duties in the IAF.

He continued serving for several years before opting for premature retirement this year.

His move to commercial aviation marks a transition from flying fighter jets to passenger aircraft.

Indian media reports said he is undergoing training on FLY91’s ATR 72-600 aircraft before taking up regular commercial flying duties.

FLY91 began commercial operations in March 2024 and is focused on connecting smaller cities and regional destinations in India.