Fact Check: A British F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala on June 14, 2024, after running low on fuel.

Fact Check: British F-35 Fighter Jet Emergency Landing in Kerala

What We Know

On June 14, 2024, a British F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, due to running low on fuel. The incident occurred around 9:30 PM IST, as reported by multiple sources including Hindustan Times and Firstpost. The aircraft, which had taken off from a British aircraft carrier operating in the region, requested landing clearance after the pilot reported a critical fuel shortage. Airport authorities declared an emergency to ensure a safe landing, and the aircraft was subsequently parked at the airport awaiting refueling clearance from the Indian government, as stated by ABP Live.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that they were fully aware of the situation and described the emergency landing as a routine diversion, emphasizing that all necessary assistance was provided to the aircraft and its crew (The Hindu).

Analysis

The claim that a British F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing in Kerala due to low fuel is supported by multiple credible sources. The reports consistently indicate that the aircraft was operating from a British aircraft carrier and had to land at Thiruvananthapuram due to fuel constraints. The Economic Times corroborates the timeline and circumstances surrounding the landing, confirming that the pilot's request for emergency landing was handled quickly and professionally by airport officials.

The sources used in this fact-check are reliable, including established news outlets such as Hindustan Times, Firstpost, and The Hindu, which have a history of accurate reporting. Additionally, the IAF's statement regarding the incident adds a layer of credibility, as it comes from an authoritative source directly involved in the situation.

While the reports also mention escalating tensions in the region, this context does not detract from the primary claim regarding the emergency landing. The focus remains on the operational aspect of the F-35 and the procedural response from Indian authorities.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that a British F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala on June 14, 2024, after running low on fuel is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The consistent reporting across various outlets, along with confirmation from the Indian Air Force, supports the accuracy of this claim.

Sources

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