Tarmac Tales: British Fighter Jet’s ₹9 Lakh Layover in God’s Own Country

After being grounded for over five weeks at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet finally took off today, ending its unexpected tropical layover. The jet, valued at over $110 million, made an emergency landing on June 14 due to low fuel and hydraulic failure while en route from the UK to Australia.

 

The aircraft was part of the HMS Prince of Wales fleet and required specialized repairs, prompting the arrival of a 24-member UK technical team on July 6. The jet was housed in Air India’s MRO hangar, where engineers worked under tight security and secrecy to restore its airworthiness.

 

Kerala’s Windfall from Fighter Jet Parking

 

According to reports, Thiruvananthapuram airport may have earned a tidy sum from the jet’s extended stay:

The final invoice will be sent to the UK Ministry of Defence, covering parking, hangar usage, and logistical support.

 

India’s Role in the Rescue

The Indian Air Force facilitated the emergency landing and provided refueling and ground support. The jet was initially parked at Bay No. 4 under CISF security, before being moved to the hangar due to monsoon rains.

 

Social Media Buzz

Kerala Tourism cheekily joined the online frenzy, posting a meme of the jet with the caption: “Kerala, the destination you’ll never want to leave.”

 

Sources: DNA India, India TV News, MSN, Republic World, Times of India