Thiruvananthapuram | June 15 – A British F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night after the pilot reported critically low fuel levels, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The stealth combat aircraft, believed to have taken off from a UK aircraft carrier, landed safely around 9:30 p.m. following a swift emergency response by airport authorities.
“The pilot reported low fuel and requested an emergency landing. The situation was handled quickly and professionally,” a source told PTI.
In response, the airport declared an emergency to ensure an unhindered and safe landing for the advanced jet. No damage or injuries were reported.
The aircraft is currently stationed at the airport and is awaiting refuelling clearance from relevant central government authorities. Refuelling operations are expected to proceed once official approvals are granted, sources added.
This rare unscheduled landing of a foreign military aircraft in India has drawn attention from both defence and civil aviation agencies, though there has been no official comment yet from British defence authorities.
