Thiruvananthapuram | June 15, 2025
In an unexpected turn of events, a UK Navy F-35 stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday evening after reportedly running low on fuel mid-flight, according to airport sources.
The high-tech combat aircraft, known for its cutting-edge stealth and combat capabilities, requested permission to land after alerting air traffic control about a critical fuel situation. Officials at the airport swiftly cleared a runway, allowing the jet to land safely without incident.
Sources confirmed that the pilot, believed to be on a routine international transit mission, remained unharmed and followed all standard emergency protocols. The aircraft is currently stationed at the airport under heavy security, and coordination between Indian aviation authorities and the British military is underway.
Airport operations remained largely unaffected, although there was a brief security protocol activation upon the fighter jet’s arrival.
Officials from the Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are closely monitoring the situation. A detailed statement from the UK Ministry of Defence is awaited, and the reasons behind the unexpected fuel shortfall are yet to be clarified.
This rare landing of a fifth-generation combat aircraft on Indian soil has drawn considerable attention, with aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts keenly watching the developments.
More information is expected as investigations and coordination efforts continue.