NEW DELHI: Kerala’s tourism department has turned a grounded fighter jet into a flying PR moment, poking fun at the British Royal Navy after one of its most advanced aircraft, a £90 million F-35B Lightning II , found itself stuck at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for over two weeks following an emergency landing .
Jumping at the chance, Kerala Tourism shared a cheeky post featuring the marooned jet alongside the line: “Kerala, the destination you’ll never want to leave.” The image even included a five-star review from the jet itself: “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave. Definitely recommend.”
The F-35B jet had been operating from the UK’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales when it was forced to divert to the Indian airport on 14 June due to low fuel. Though it landed safely, it subsequently developed a hydraulic failure on the ground, complicating its return to service.
A UK engineering team is now en route to Thiruvananthapuram with specialised tools to carry out the necessary repairs. The aircraft will be moved to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to minimise disruption to scheduled air traffic. If the repair proves too complex on site, defence officials have indicated that the jet could be transported back to the UK in a military cargo aircraft.
The British High Commission has expressed gratitude for India’s cooperation, noting that the Indian Air Force, Navy and local airport authorities provided immediate assistance, including refuelling, recovery clearance, and security support.
The F-35B, which is capable of short take-off and vertical landings, is considered a crucial asset for carrier-based operations. Its extended grounding in Kerala has inadvertently added a touch of humour to an otherwise serious military episode.
While repairs are underway, the stranded fighter jet has unintentionally boosted Kerala’s global visibility—not through a strategic exercise or military drill, but through the state’s own tourism board turning the moment into a viral marketing masterstroke.
Jumping at the chance, Kerala Tourism shared a cheeky post featuring the marooned jet alongside the line: “Kerala, the destination you’ll never want to leave.” The image even included a five-star review from the jet itself: “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave. Definitely recommend.”
Kerala, the destination you'll never want to leave.
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) July 2, 2025
Thank you, The Fauxy.#F35 #Trivandrum #KeralaTourism pic.twitter.com/3lei66a5T2
The F-35B jet had been operating from the UK’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales when it was forced to divert to the Indian airport on 14 June due to low fuel. Though it landed safely, it subsequently developed a hydraulic failure on the ground, complicating its return to service.
A UK engineering team is now en route to Thiruvananthapuram with specialised tools to carry out the necessary repairs. The aircraft will be moved to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to minimise disruption to scheduled air traffic. If the repair proves too complex on site, defence officials have indicated that the jet could be transported back to the UK in a military cargo aircraft.
The British High Commission has expressed gratitude for India’s cooperation, noting that the Indian Air Force, Navy and local airport authorities provided immediate assistance, including refuelling, recovery clearance, and security support.
The F-35B, which is capable of short take-off and vertical landings, is considered a crucial asset for carrier-based operations. Its extended grounding in Kerala has inadvertently added a touch of humour to an otherwise serious military episode.
While repairs are underway, the stranded fighter jet has unintentionally boosted Kerala’s global visibility—not through a strategic exercise or military drill, but through the state’s own tourism board turning the moment into a viral marketing masterstroke.
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