UK F-35 Fighter Jet Makes Emergency Landing at Thiruvananthapuram Airport

Thiruvananthapuram: A British Royal Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night after it reportedly ran low on fuel during a routine mission over the Indian Ocean.

According to airport and defence sources, the fifth-generation fighter was operating from a British aircraft carrier stationed in the Indian Ocean. The pilot had attempted to return to the carrier, but rough seas and strong winds made landing on the vessel unsafe.

With fuel levels critically low, the pilot contacted Indian air traffic control and requested emergency clearance to land at the nearest civilian airport. Thiruvananthapuram, located on Kerala's southern coast, was identified as the most suitable option.

Following standard emergency protocols, airport authorities declared a full emergency, cleared a runway, and mobilized fire and rescue units, along with medical teams, to ensure a safe landing.

The jet landed safely around 9:30 p.m., drawing considerable attention due to the rarity of a frontline military aircraft like the F-35 landing at a civilian airport.

Officials confirmed that the aircraft was unarmed and posed no security threat. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and civil aviation authorities were promptly notified and coordinated refuelling and security measures.

Sources added that UK defence personnel aboard the aircraft carrier remained in constant communication with Indian authorities and the pilot throughout the incident.

Once sea conditions improve, the jet is expected to rejoin its carrier.

This unusual peacetime event underscores the strong cooperation between Indian aviation authorities and international defence forces operating in the region.

With inputs from IANS