NEW DELHI: Former Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain and Vir Chakra recipient Abhinandan Varthaman has embarked on a new chapter in his aviation career, transitioning into civil aviation as a commercial pilot for the Goa-based regional airline FLY91.
Varthaman retired prematurely from active military service on March 31, 2026, after more than two decades in uniform. After securing the requisite No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defence and fulfilling regulatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), he joined FLY91 in August 2026.
The transition trades high-speed tactical fighter jets for civilian regional airliners. Varthaman is currently undergoing type training on the ATR 72-600 twin-turboprop aircraft, operating routes such as Goa–Hyderabad.
While civil aviation operates under strict commercial standard operating procedures rather than combat tactics, veteran military aviators bring invaluable flying hours, procedural discipline, and high-pressure decision-making capabilities to commercial airlines.
Group Captain Varthaman gained national prominence during the aerial engagement along the Line of Control on February 27, 2019, following the Balakot airstrikes. Flying an aging MiG-21 Bison, he engaged and shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet before his own aircraft was struck.
After ejecting over Pakistan-occupied territory, he was taken into custody by Pakistani forces. His calm demeanor under interrogation and stoic composure captured widespread international attention. Following intense diplomatic pressure from India, he was safely repatriated three days later via the Wagah border crossing.
For his conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Vir Chakra—India’s third-highest wartime decoration—in 2021, before being promoted to the rank of Group Captain.
FLY91, an emerging regional carrier launched in March 2024, focuses on expanding air connectivity across India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Although the airline declined to release operational details regarding employee assignments, sources confirm Varthaman will soon pilot scheduled regional passenger flights once final regulatory type-ratings are completed.
