Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: A British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet, grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since June 14 due to bad weather and a hydraulic failure, is finally expected to fly back to the UK next week. The $115 million warplane, which was on a sortie from the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, had to make an emergency landing after its landing gear and control surfaces were disabled.
A 17-member British engineering team, flown in on an Airbus Atlas, has been working from the Air India MRO hangar to carry out repairs. Earlier talks of dismantling and airlifting the jet have been ruled out by UK defence authorities, confirming that the aircraft will take off under its own power once fully restored.
While the jet remained grounded, it became a social media sensation. Kerala’s tourism department humorously claimed the F-35 gave the state a “five-star review” and “didn’t want to leave,” as memes and jokes poured in celebrating the jet’s unexpected tropical layover.
Initially parked in an open bay under CISF protection, the aircraft was moved into the hangar on July 6. British authorities have expressed deep appreciation for India’s support and cooperation during the technical hold-up.
As the jet prepares for its return flight, this unusual episode has not only showcased the F-35B’s engineering complexities but also Kerala’s trademark hospitality and wit.
