ISLAMABAD: Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured in Pakistan during the 2019 India-Pakistan aerial clash, has taken premature retirement from the Indian Air Force and is now working as a commercial pilot for a private airline.
According to a report by Indian channel NDTV, Varthaman retired after completing 22 years of service in the Indian Air Force. In August 2026, he joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot. The report said Varthaman has not issued any statement regarding his new job.
A spokesperson for FLY91 also declined to share personal information about employees, calling the matter private.FLY91 launched commercial operations in March 2024.
The airline currently operates a fleet of 6 ATR 72-600 aircraft, with hubs in Goa and Hyderabad.2019 India-Pakistan Aerial Clash Varthaman came into the global spotlight in February 2019 during a period of intense military tension between Pakistan and India.
After a suicide attack in Pulwama in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 40 personnel of India’s Central Reserve Police Force, India blamed Pakistan and carried out an airstrike inside Pakistan.
The next day, the Pakistan Air Force responded in what Pakistan called “Operation Swift Retort.” The aerial engagements further escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and raised fears of war in the region.
Capture and Release
On February 27, 2019, during the aerial dogfight, the Pakistan Air Force shot down an Indian Air Force MiG-21 Bison aircraft. Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman ejected and was captured in Pakistan.
Varthaman sustained injuries during the ejection. He remained in Pakistani custody for nearly three days before being handed over to India at the Wagah Border on the night of March 1, 2019, as a “gesture of peace.
“Awarded Vir ChakraFollowing his capture and release, Varthaman gained prominence in India. Later that year, the Indian government honored him with the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award.
Why “Tea is Fantastic” Went ViralDuring his custody in Pakistan, Varthaman was offered tea. His remark, “Tea is fantastic,” went viral on social media and trended as a hashtag for nearly 36 hours. Even seven years later, references to Abhinandan’s “Tea is fantastic” moment continue to appear on Pakistani social media.
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