Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is set to levy parking charges on the British Royal Navy’s state-of-the-art F-35B fighter jet, which has remained grounded for nearly 10 days due to a hydraulic failure. Parked at Bay 4, a zone typically reserved for VIP aircraft, the fighter jet isn’t disrupting normal airport operations thanks to low flight traffic.
Airport officials have yet to determine the exact fee, as the F-35 is a lightweight defence aircraft and does not fall under regular commercial aircraft fee slabs. While standard charges are weight-based, the unique status of the jet may call for a different calculation, with the expectation that the Union government will ultimately foot the bill.
The aircraft, part of the Royal Navy’s carrier HMS Prince of Wales, had recently participated in joint naval exercises with India. It is the first time such a sophisticated US-made stealth jet has been stranded on foreign soil.
Engineers from the UK and US are expected to arrive shortly to attempt repairs. If unsuccessful, authorities may need to bring in a cargo freighter to relocate the jet. A spokesperson from the British High Commission expressed gratitude to Indian officials for their continued assistance.
Although there was a proposal to move the jet to a hangar due to its prolonged stay, Royal Navy officials reportedly declined the move.