Fighter pilot Abhinandan who crashed in Pakistan and shot down F-16 quits Indian Air Force, joins private airline
Abhinandan Varthaman left the IAF on March 31 and later joined Fly91, a regional carrier.
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, recipient of the Vir Chakra award for his actions during an aerial combat with Pakistan in 2019, has begun working as a pilot for the regional airline FLY91, according to sources. Varthaman, who was held captive in Pakistan for three days following the incident, joined the company in August 2025.
A spokesperson for FLY91 declined to comment on Varthaman's employment, citing privacy concerns. The airline, founded in March 2024, currently operates six ATR 72-600 aircraft and has two bases in Goa and Hyderabad.
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