British F-35B Jet Stranded in Kerala Becomes Viral Tourism Star | India News
Thiruvananthapuram, July 3, 2025: In an unusual turn of events, a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since June 14, 2025, unexpectedly becoming a viral face for Kerala Tourism. The jet, worth over $110 million, was forced into an emergency landing after a hydraulic failure during joint operations with the Indian Navy over the Indo-Pacific. What started as a technical emergency quickly morphed into a quirky marketing opportunity, as Kerala Tourism capitalized on the situation to highlight the state’s appeal.
The stealth fighter, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, found itself stranded after adverse weather and low fuel made a return to the carrier impossible. For more than two weeks, the high-tech aircraft has faced Kerala’s relentless monsoon, raising concerns about possible damage to its advanced systems. While the Indian Air Force stepped in with refueling and logistical support, the jet remains grounded, waiting for a team of 40 UK engineers and specialized equipment to arrive.
In the meantime, the jet’s presence has sparked a flurry of attention online, transforming a military mishap into an unexpected publicity boost for Kerala’s tourism industry.
Kerala's Tourism Board Turns a Grounded Royal Navy Jet into a Viral Sensation
Kerala Tourism was quick on its feet once again. On July 2, 2025, the team posted a tongue-in-cheek message on X: “Kerala, the destination you’ll never want to leave. Thank you, The Fauxy.” Alongside the post, they shared an AI-generated image of the F-35B fighter jet, complete with a mock five-star review: “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave. Definitely recommend.” The post went viral, racking up thousands of likes and shares in no time.
Social media users wasted no time chiming in with their own jokes—one quipped, “Give it Parotta and Thattukada fried chicken, it will never go back!” Another joked, “Now it refuses to start without coconut oil!” The engagement reflected Kerala Tourism’s knack for tapping into trending moments.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for them. In the past, the department leveraged Hollywood stars like Tom Holland and Zendaya to boost Kerala’s profile. Now, with the F-35B story grabbing headlines, the jet has unofficially become Kerala’s “most exclusive guest.” Thiruvananthapuram finds itself in the global spotlight, all thanks to the unexpected appeal of Kerala’s backwaters, beaches, and—of course—banana chips.
Proving Even Fighter Jets Can't Resist 'God’s Own Country'
With repairs ongoing, the UK team is hard at work on the grounded jet, while the Indian Air Force and local authorities—backed up by CISF—are keeping a close watch to ensure the aircraft’s security. The British High Commission has publicly thanked India for its cooperation, underlining the strong ties between the two countries.
At the same time, the F-35B’s extended stopover has sparked curiosity about the fighter’s high-tech features and the global buzz around Lockheed Martin’s flagship jet. Kerala Tourism, though, has taken the situation in stride, rolling out a witty campaign that’s turned what could’ve been a PR mess into a promotional win. Whether the jet’s gearing up for takeoff or lingering a bit longer, one thing’s clear—Kerala’s got a certain charm that’s hard to shake, even for a stealth fighter.