Emergency Landing in Kerala
The F-35 fighter jet, part of the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, was participating in joint military exercises with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea. The aircraft made an emergency landing at the airport due to a sudden fuel shortage. Since then, it has remained grounded due to technical faults.
The incident marked the first time such an advanced fifth-generation aircraft landed in Kerala. It sparked public fascination and tight security protocols.
₹9.2 Lakh and Counting: Parking Costs Soar
As per a CNBC-TV18 report citing the Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW), the F-35’s extended stay is proving expensive. The daily parking charge is ₹26,261. Over 35 days, that adds up to nearly ₹9.19 lakh. This bill is expected to be covered by the United Kingdom.
Airport officials have confirmed that the aircraft was initially stationed in Bay No. 4 under Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) watch. It was later shifted to Air India’s maintenance hangar for security and repair works.
Secret Repairs Under Heavy Security
On July 6, a 24-member British Royal Air Force (RAF) technical team arrived in Thiruvananthapuram. Their mission: inspect and repair the stealth jet. Working under tight secrecy, the team operated within a restricted zone in Air India’s second hangar.
Even regular Indian airport security staff were barred from entry. British military guards maintained a 24×7 watch, ensuring that classified repair operations remained undisturbed.
Flight Schedule and Departure
Authorities recently confirmed that the F-35 is now flight-ready. Its departure is scheduled for July 22, and the aircraft is likely to fly back to the UK via the Middle East. Officials did not disclose exact flight details, citing security concerns.
The departure will end one of the most high-profile aircraft groundings in Indian civil aviation history.
More Than Just a Jet
Valued at over $110 million (₹920 crore), the F-35 is one of the most sophisticated fighter jets in the world. It combines stealth capabilities, supersonic speed, and advanced radar systems, making it a symbol of Western air superiority.
Its unplanned presence in Kerala has sparked a range of reactions—from serious diplomatic coordination to local internet memes. Social media users quickly turned the event into a pop culture moment, with comparisons to movies, posters, and even jabs at local practices like ‘nokku kooli’.
Public Reaction and Social Buzz
From tech enthusiasts to political commentators, everyone had something to say. Local news channels ran continuous coverage, while memes flooded platforms like X and Instagram. A still image of the F-35 parked under Kerala’s cloudy skies became a viral sensation.
Meanwhile, a towing post by the Kerala MVD went viral for using an F-35-like aircraft image to mock towing fines—a nod to the stealth jet’s unintended stay.
Diplomatic and Defence Coordination
The F-35 episode also reflects strong coordination between India and the UK. While India’s Ministry of Defence ensured smooth permissions and security, the British High Commission remained in constant touch with airport and state officials.
The incident could potentially lead to policy discussions on foreign military aircraft handling at Indian civilian airports.
Kerala’s Unexpected Jackpot
For the airport authorities, this was more than just managing a stranded jet. It meant extra revenue, increased visibility, and enhanced credibility in handling high-profile aviation incidents.
Airport Director V Karthikeyan stated, “We followed global security protocols and worked closely with British defence officials. It’s a rare situation, and the airport handled it with utmost professionalism.”
