Wing Commander-turned-Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, one of the most recognizable faces of the 2019 India-Pakistan aerial confrontation, has reportedly retired prematurely from the Indian Air Force and begun a new chapter as a commercial pilot.

According to a PTI report quoting sources, Varthaman joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 in August after completing 22 years of service with the IAF.

Varthaman became internationally known during the February 27, 2019, aerial engagement between India and Pakistan. During the confrontation, he flew a MiG-21 Bison and, according to the Indian account, shot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own aircraft was hit.

He ejected from the stricken MiG-21 and landed in Pakistani territory, where he was captured and held for three days. Pakistan released him on March 1, 2019, after the dramatic episode became a major flashpoint between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Despite being injured during the ejection, Varthaman returned to India and continued his Air Force career.

In 2019, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, for displaying an “exceptional sense of duty” during the aerial combat.

Now, after more than two decades in military aviation, the decorated fighter pilot is reportedly transitioning from high-speed fighter jets to civilian airliners.

FLY91 began operations in March 2024 and currently operates ATR 72-600 aircraft, with bases in Goa and Hyderabad.

Neither Varthaman nor FLY91 has publicly confirmed the reported move. The airline has declined to provide personal information about its employees.

From a MiG-21 cockpit to an ATR 72 cockpit — a remarkable new chapter for one of India’s best-known fighter pilots.