Balakot Air Combat Hero Abhinandan Varthaman Begins Career as Commercial Airline Pilot

Retired Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has embarked on a new professional journey as a commercial pilot with a private airline, according to news agency reports citing sources familiar with the development. Varthaman officially retired from active IAF service earlier this year and commenced commercial flying operations in August.

The 2019 Aerial Dogfight and Honors Varthaman rose to international prominence during the heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan in February 2019:

• Combat Action: Piloting a MiG-21 Bison, Varthaman engaged in an aerial dogfight on February 27, 2019, following Pakistan’s aerial response to India’s Balakot airstrikes. According to the Indian Air Force, he successfully downed a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter jet before his own aircraft was hit.
• Captivity and Release: After ejecting from his damaged aircraft, he landed in Pakistan-administered territory and was held in Pakistani custody for nearly 60 hours. Following diplomatic pressure and an announcement by then-Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Varthaman was repatriated to India via the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.
• Vir Chakra Award: In 2021, President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Vir Chakra—India’s third-highest wartime gallantry decoration—upon Varthaman, citing his extraordinary courage, professionalism, and unyielding commitment during combat.

Background: Key 2019 Developments

• February 14, 2019: A suicide bombing targeted a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 40 personnel. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
• February 26, 2019: The IAF executed precision airstrikes targeting terrorist training facilities in Balakot, Pakistan.
• February 27, 2019: Retaliatory air skirmishes occurred along the Line of Control, during which Varthaman engaged opposing aircraft before being brought down.

After over two decades of military aviation, the decorated pilot transitions to commercial aviation to continue flying in the civil sector.