Jet legged? UK's F-35 fighter jet takes off from Kerala after month-long layover and jaw-dropping charges; sparks online buzz

Time of India

23-07-2025

NEW DELHI: The British F-35B fighter jet flew back on Tuesday after completing maintenance, more than a month after it made an emergency landing at the international airport here, and remained parked since then.
The jet took off around 10 a.m. and is now en route to Darwin, Australia.
"A UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion on June 14, departed today from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. A UK engineering team, deployed since July 06 completed the repairs and safety checks, allowing the aircraft to resume active service," a British High Commission spokesperson said.
In the same statement, the spokesperson expressed gratitude for India's cooperation:
"The UK remains very grateful for the support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams throughout the repair and recovery process.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen our defence partnership with India."
On Monday, the jet was moved out of the hangar and stationed at the airport bay ahead of its departure.
According to sources, a 14-member UK engineering team that carried out the repairs will fly back on Wednesday aboard a special aircraft, the Globemaster. The fighter jet had been housed in the Air India hangar throughout its stay.
Airport sources confirmed that landing charges, daily rent, and parking fees, amounting to Rs 5–6 lakh had been paid.
However, there was no confirmation on any payment made to Air India specifically.
The British Royal Navy's F-35B Lightning is part of the UK's most advanced stealth fighter fleet. Worth over USD 110 million, it is considered one of the world's most sophisticated combat aircraft.
The jet had been grounded at the airport since June 14, when it was forced to make an emergency landing after developing a technical snag. Having taken off from HMS Prince of Wales that day, it couldn't return due to poor weather conditions.
Prioritizing safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram, where it landed safely. However, it later developed an engineering issue on the ground, delaying its rejoining of the Carrier Strike Group.
Engineers aboard HMS Prince of Wales assessed the situation and concluded that assistance from a UK-based team was necessary. India's offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport was accepted, and the transfer was carried out after the arrival of the specialist team with equipment, ensuring no disruption to airport operations.
After nearly a week of work, the UK team repaired a hydraulic fault, successfully completed a trial flight, and cleared the jet for departure.
The emergency landing, along with the parking charges, became the subject of countless internet memes and widespread online buzz.
Another meme said "UK's F35 finally remembered it's a jet, not a tourist."
It even inspired a witty marketing campaign by Kerala Tourism.
(With agency inputs)