Abhinandan Varthaman’s second innings in the skies: From fighter pilot to commercial pilot

Over seven years ago, Indian Air Force’s Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman hogged national headlines after his MiG-21 fighter jet was shot down over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during an aerial combat with a Pakistan Air Force aircraft, leading to his capture. His return to India two days later came amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Mr. Varthaman, who downed an enemy jet during the aerial combat with Pakistan and was held captive for three days in that country, was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, for displaying conspicuous courage, an exceptional sense of duty and gallantry in the face of the enemy. Now, the decorated fighter pilot is set for a new chapter in the skies as a commercial pilot. Mr. Varthaman has joined regional airline FLY91 , as per a PTI report.