Abhinandan Varthaman Starts New Innings as Commercial Pilot After Leaving IAF

Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has started a new chapter in his flying career. The Vir Chakra awardee, remembered across India for his role in the 2019 India-Pakistan aerial combat, has joined regional airline FLY91 as a pilot.

Varthaman left the Indian Air Force on March 31, 2026, after more than two decades of service. He joined Goa-based FLY91 in August and is now moving from military aviation to commercial flying.

According to reports, he is undergoing type training on the ATR 72-600, the aircraft operated by FLY91.

Abhinandan Varthaman Joins FLY91

News agency PTI reported that Varthaman joined FLY91 as a pilot in August. The airline has confirmed his association but has not shared details about his role, saying information related to individual employees is private.

FLY91 is a regional airline that started commercial operations in March 2024. It operates ATR 72-600 aircraft and has bases in Goa and Hyderabad.

For Varthaman, the move means he will continue doing what has been at the centre of his professional life for years - flying - but in a very different environment.

Instead of a fighter aircraft, his next phase will be in the cockpit of a passenger aircraft.

The 2019 Aerial Combat That Made Him a Household Name

Abhinandan Varthaman became a household name in February 2019, during a tense period between India and Pakistan.

On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force carried out air strikes in Balakot, Pakistan, following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

A day later, Pakistani fighter aircraft approached Indian airspace and the IAF sent its aircraft to intercept them.

Varthaman, who was then a Wing Commander with the 51 Squadron, was flying a MiG-21 Bison during the aerial combat.

According to his Vir Chakra citation, Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own MiG-21 was hit.

He was forced to eject and landed on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control, where he was taken into custody.

Returned to India After Three Days

Varthaman remained in Pakistani custody for around three days.

His capture quickly became a major issue between the two countries. Pakistan later announced his release, and he returned to India through the Wagah-Attari border on March 1, 2019.

His return was closely followed across the country and made him one of the most recognised faces of the Indian Air Force.

Varthaman later returned to flying duties.

Awarded the Vir Chakra

Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra for his role in the February 2019 aerial combat.

The Vir Chakra is India's third-highest wartime gallantry award. His official citation praised his courage and "exceptional sense of duty" during the operation.

He was later promoted to the rank of Group Captain.

After spending around 22 years in the Indian Air Force, Varthaman left the service on March 31, 2026.

From MiG-21 to ATR 72-600

The aircraft may have changed, but Varthaman's career remains in aviation.

Reports say he is undergoing the required training for the ATR 72-600 before taking up commercial flying duties with FLY91.

The ATR 72-600 is a twin-engine turboprop passenger aircraft commonly used on short regional routes.

It is a very different role from flying a MiG-21 fighter aircraft, but Varthaman brings years of military flying experience into his new career.

Seven years after the 2019 aerial combat made his name known across India, Abhinandan Varthaman is beginning another innings in the cockpit - this time as a commercial pilot.