Kerala Airport Parking Bill for UK Fighter Jet Crosses ₹3 Lakh
The British F-35B fighter jet stranded in Kerala after an emergency landing may face parking charges of over ₹3 lakh, as airport authorities calculate fees based on aircraft weight
A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, one of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala since June 14, 2025. The jet, valued at over $110 million, was forced to make an emergency landing after encountering low fuel and severe weather conditions during routine operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Part of HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Group
The aircraft belongs to the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group and had been conducting naval exercises in the area. Thiruvananthapuram was designated as an emergency recovery airfield, which made it a viable diversion point for the aircraft when it developed hydraulic issues mid-flight.
Ongoing Repairs and Hangar Relocation
After the emergency landing, initial repair efforts by engineers from HMS Prince of Wales were unsuccessful. The jet remains parked at Bay 4, under high security by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). A team of aviation engineers from the UK and the US is now being flown in with specialized equipment to repair the aircraft. The UK has accepted an offer to move the jet into the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to minimize disruption to other flights.
Unique Capabilities and Technical Challenge
The F-35B is the only fifth-generation fighter jet with Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from smaller decks and austere environments. The hydraulic issue that grounded the aircraft is critical to its vertical landing function. If the upcoming repair efforts fail, the jet may need to be airlifted back to the UK using an RAF C-17 Globemaster III.
Mounting Parking Fees at the Airport
Meanwhile, the jet’s extended stay is leading to potential parking fee calculations. Thiruvananthapuram airport, operated by Adani Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Limited (ATIAL), charges parking based on Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW). The F-35B’s MTOW of 27.3 metric tonnes (MT) results in an estimated daily fee of around ₹26,261. Over 12 days, this totals approximately ₹3.15 lakh. However, the fee structure for military aircraft like the F-35B may not align with civilian standards, and discussions are ongoing about whether the Union government will cover the cost due to its defense context.
Why the Jet Was Not Moved Earlier
Although Air India had offered to relocate the aircraft to a hangar, the British Royal Navy initially declined—likely due to the aircraft’s highly sensitive stealth systems and advanced avionics. Its current parking location at Bay 4, usually reserved for VIP aircraft, has not impacted airport operations significantly due to lower traffic volumes.
Support from Indian Authorities and the IAF
The Indian Air Force has been assisting with logistical and technical support, including accommodation, refueling, and meals for the British crew. The UK’s High Commission in India expressed gratitude to Indian authorities and the airport operator for their continued cooperation. The aircraft is expected to return to active service following successful repairs and safety checks.
India-UK Defense Ties in FocusThis rare event has brought attention to India-UK defense cooperation, with the HMS Prince of Wales group having recently conducted joint exercises with the Indian Navy. The incident, while operationally inconvenient, has also reinforced channels of trust and collaboration between the two nations’ defense forces.
