KERALA'S COOLEST TROLL: THE F-35B FIGHTER JET'S UNEXPECTED LANDING

The British Fighter Jet That Accidentally Became Kerala’s Coolest Troll

Imagine flying halfway around the world on a stealth mission and ending up... as a troll in tropical Kerala. Sounds like a plot twist? That’s exactly what happened when a British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet made an unexpected emergency landing in Kerala in June 2025 — and never took off again (at least, not yet).

But here's where it gets delightfully Kerala-style: what could’ve been a military mishap turned into a marketing masterstroke — and a viral moment for Kerala Tourism.

Wait, What’s an F-35B Doing in “God’s Own Country”?

On June 14, 2025, an advanced F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, part of the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was forced to make an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to a hydraulic glitch mid-air. The pilot landed safely — no dramatic explosions or Top Gun heroics — just one of the world’s most expensive aircraft casually parked on a sunny Kerala runway.

While the UK scrambled for logistics and spare parts, the jet stayed put... and Kerala did what it does best: offered world-class hospitality — even to visiting aircraft.

Jet Lagged in Paradise? Kerala Makes It a Vacation

Kerala Tourism didn’t miss a beat. With brilliant humor and an eye for opportunity, they released a viral social media post of the jet nestled between palm trees with the caption:

“Our newest visitor loved Kerala so much, it decided to stay. Even gave us a five-star rating.”

And just like that, the F-35B became Kerala’s quirkiest tourist attraction — not because it was planned, but because the state embraced serendipity with a smile. The AI-generated image of the jet among coconut groves won hearts, headlines, and hashtags.

What This Says About Kerala (and Why You Should Visit)

Kerala didn’t just make a joke. It made a statement. This little tourism moment showed the world what makes Kerala special:

• The ability to turn any situation into a story worth sharing.

• A reputation for welcoming everyone — from honeymooners to high-tech aircraft.

• A touch of cheeky charm in a world that takes itself too seriously.

At Kerala.au, we believe travel is about the unexpected — and there’s no better example than a multi-million dollar stealth fighter falling in love with the backwaters (okay, not literally... but we like to imagine it happened over a cup of chai).

Want to See the Jet?

While you can’t sit in the cockpit or take it for a joyride, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the famous fighter parked at Thiruvananthapuram Airport — assuming it hasn’t finally flown off with a sad wave goodbye. Meanwhile, the memes and media coverage live on.

Read the story from the source:
Reuters
BBC News
Straits Times
Kerala Tourism’s Post

A Jet, A Joke, and a Journey

At the end of the day, the story of the stranded fighter jet is a perfect metaphor for Kerala: come for a quick visit, and you may never want to leave.

Whether you’re a stealth aircraft, a solo backpacker, or a wellness seeker, we’ll help you plan a journey that surprises and delights at every turn.

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to be updated about latest news and blog posts and to follow what is happening in a magical land of Kerala.