Abhinandan Varthaman Joins Goa-based airline FLY91 as Pilot

Abhinandan Varthaman, a former Indian Air Force Group Captain, joined the Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot in 2026. He retired from military aviation on 31 March 2026 after nearly 22 years of service and later moved to civil aviation.

Military Aviation Career

Abhinandan Varthaman served in the Indian Air Force for nearly 22 years before his premature retirement in 2026. He flew combat aircraft during his service and became widely known after an aerial engagement on 27 February 2019 over the Line of Control.

2019 Air Combat Incident

On 27 February 2019, Varthaman flew a MiG-21 Bison during a dogfight over the Line of Control and shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet. He was later captured in Pakistan for three days after ejecting from his damaged aircraft.

Vir Chakra and Civil Aviation Transition

In November 2021, the President of India awarded him the Vir Chakra, which is India’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal. In August 2026, he joined FLY91 and began type training and regulatory clearance procedures for regional commercial operations.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Vir Chakra is India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award after the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra.
• The MiG-21 Bison is an upgraded variant of the Soviet-origin MiG-21 fighter aircraft used by the Indian Air Force.
• The Line of Control is the military control line that separates Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
• ATR 72-600 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft used widely in regional aviation.

FLY91 and Regional Aviation

FLY91 is a Goa-based regional airline that launched commercial operations in March 2024. As of 3 September 2026, it operated six ATR 72-600 aircraft from bases in Goa and Hyderabad.