Loading…
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has joined FLY91, a Goa-based regional airline, as a commercial pilot.
He retired from the Indian Air Force on 31 March 2026 after nearly 22 years of service.
He joined FLY91 in August 2026 and is undergoing type training and regulatory clearance for regional commercial operations.
Varthaman became internationally known after the aerial engagement of 27 February 2019 over the Line of Control, in which he flew a MiG-21 Bison and was held in Pakistan for three days after ejecting.
He received the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, from the President in November 2021.
Flew a MiG-21 Bison in an aerial engagement over the Line of Control; ejected over Pakistani-held territory and was held for three days
Conferred the Vir Chakra by the President of India
Retired from the Indian Air Force as a Group Captain after nearly 22 years
Joined FLY91 and began type training and regulatory clearance for commercial operations
Current Affairs - defence personalities and gallantry awards
General Awareness - persons in news, awards and honours
General Awareness - persons in news
India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, after the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra.
A licence endorsement authorising a pilot to fly a specific aircraft type, obtained after dedicated ground and simulator training regardless of prior flying experience.
The military control line separating the Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
An aircraft engine in which a gas turbine drives a propeller; efficient on short regional sectors, as in the ATR 72-600.