After month at Kerala airport, British Royal Navy’s F-35B fighter jet set to fly out, parking fee bill being prepared
A British Royal Navy F‑35B Lightning II fighter jet will finally depart Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on July 22. The stealth aircraft landed there on June 14 after facing hydraulic failure and low fuel during a return flight in the Indo-Pacific. Bad weather also played a role in the diversion.
The jet was part of Operation Highmast, a UK-led mission. After its emergency landing, it remained parked at the airport for over five weeks. This unscheduled halt required tight security and high-level coordination between India and the UK.
British Engineers Fix the Jet
A 14-member British engineering team arrived in Kerala on July 6. They brought the necessary tools and spare parts on an RAF Airbus A400M Atlas. After thorough inspections and hydraulic system checks, they successfully repaired the jet.
The aircraft also completed taxi tests inside the Air India MRO hangar. With final repairs done and safety confirmed, authorities have cleared it for takeoff.
India to Bill the UK for Parking and Hangar Use
India will now send a parking and service bill to the United Kingdom. The fighter jet stayed parked for more than 35 days. The estimated parking cost ranges between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 per day. Officials also plan to add hangar usage charges, which could exceed ₹1–2 lakh for the full duration.
Experts expect the final bill to cross ₹30 lakh (over $36,000). Authorities calculate charges based on aircraft size, weight, and service usage. The Indian government will handle the billing process, while the UK is expected to settle it through diplomatic channels.
Security Concerns Around a Stealth Fighter
The F-35B is a fifth-generation stealth aircraft known for vertical takeoff and advanced radar evasion. Due to the jet’s sensitive military systems, Indian authorities imposed strict security. The aircraft stayed under constant watch. Engineers from the UK worked under careful supervision.
Both nations followed defense protocols. This ensured no leak of technology or data and avoided diplomatic friction. Indian Air Force and security agencies monitored the area while coordinating with British defense officials.
Kerala Tourism Adds a Humorous Twist
Kerala’s tourism board turned this high-security incident into a light-hearted moment. They posted a playful message on social media:
“The F-35B came for a pit stop and stayed for the vibe. Even stealth jets can’t resist God’s Own Country!”
The post went viral, inspiring memes, travel jokes, and mock reviews of the fighter jet’s “stay.” This helped Kerala Tourism gain global attention, especially from those unfamiliar with the state.
Final Departure Confirmed
The F-35B will leave Thiruvananthapuram airport on July 22. It will reunite with the HMS Prince of Wales or head to a nearby base. The same A400M Atlas aircraft that brought the engineers will take them back to the UK.
Airport authorities have cleared the departure, and weather checks are underway. The exit marks the end of a rare event involving an advanced foreign fighter jet stranded at an Indian civilian airport.
Kerala Tourism Finds Humor in the Situation
While the presence of an elite fighter jet in Kerala was primarily a defense matter, the incident unexpectedly provided a PR boost to Kerala Tourism. The department playfully welcomed the stranded jet with a tongue-in-cheek social media post: “The F-35B came for a pit stop and stayed for the vibe. God’s Own Country welcomes even the stealthiest of guests!”
Tourism campaigns soon capitalized on the global media attention. Memes, digital posters, and cheeky “five-star reviews” by the “guest” went viral online, adding a touch of humor and hospitality to an otherwise sensitive situation.
The incident was covered by international outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters, and BBC, highlighting not just the technical aspects of the story, but also Kerala’s warm and humorous response.
Final Departure Scheduled for July 22
With repairs complete and the diplomatic paperwork in place, the F-35B is now scheduled to depart on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The same Airbus A400M that brought the British repair team will carry them back as the fighter jet lifts off for its rendezvous with HMS Prince of Wales or a nearby military base.
Sources confirm that Indian aviation officials have cleared the flight path, and weather conditions are being monitored closely to ensure safe takeoff.
This rare episode of an advanced foreign fighter jet grounded on Indian soil for over a month will likely remain in aviation and diplomatic records for years to come. It highlighted the unpredictability of military operations, the importance of international cooperation, and India’s capacity to handle sensitive global defense scenarios with a mix of professionalism and levity.
