02-07-2025
‘A Destination You'll Never Leave': Kerala Turns Stranded UK Jet Into Tourism Pitch
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Kerala's tourism department made a light-hearted remark on a British F-35 stealth fighter stranded in Thiruvananthapuram to promote state tourism.
The British F-35 fighter jet stranded in Kerala for several days provided a unique opportunity for the state to promote its tourism, with a light-hearted remark saying Kerala was a destination people don't want to depart from.
In a post on X, Kerala's Tourism Department said, 'Kerala, the destination you'll never want to leave. Thank you, The Fauxy." It shared a picture of a 'review" by the UK F-35B jet, which said, 'Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend."
The post left social media users amused. 'No wonder it refuses to leave now- bro found peace, toddy, and banana chips," wrote one user.
'Give it Parotta and Thattukada fried chicken, it will never go back," another netizen wrote. 'Maybe try putting some coconut water in it instead of fuel, that might fix it," a third person wrote.
F-35 Fighter Jet Stranded In Kerala
The F-35 fighter jet, worth over $110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighters globally, made the emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14 and remained there for 16 days, unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. Days after the aircraft's emergency landing, the Indian Air Force said it was providing all necessary support for the 'rectification and subsequent return" of the aircraft.
The High Commission said that the aircraft, which landed at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, developed engineering issues whilst on the ground. The UK has accepted the offer by the Indian authorities to move the aircraft to the hangar, the spokesperson said.
The F-35B is the only fifth generation fighter jet with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, making it ideal for operating from smaller decks, austere bases and ships.
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