Thiruvananthapuram: While the world’s most advanced fighter jet, the UK’s F-35B Lightning II, remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kerala Tourism has taken the opportunity to sneak in a clever, light-hearted jab that has now taken off on the internet.

In a now-viral social media post, Kerala Tourism shared an image of the fighter jet with a caption styled like a glowing review: “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend.”

They followed it up with another tongue-in-cheek tagline that seemed to double down on the situation, “Kerala, the destination you'll never want to leave. Thank you, The Fauxy.”

Though framed as a tourism promotion, the captions were widely seen as a subtle dig at the fighter jet’s extended stay in the state after it made an emergency landing on June 14 due to a technical issue.

The post struck a chord with netizens, with many calling it “epic” and praising the tourism department’s wit.

“Advertise it on London double decker buses,” joked one commenter. Another quipped, “And now that plane has been claimed by the Waqf Board,” while memes referencing Kerala's infamous "Nokku Kooli" and Bollywood-style jugaad also flooded social media.

ALSO READ: ‘Nokku kooli’ to ‘Vellanakalude Nadu’: Stranded British F-35 fighter jet in Kerala becomes meme gold

Jet still grounded, repairs await expert team

The British Royal Navy F-35 had taken off from the HMS Prince of Wales, participating in naval exercises in the Arabian Sea, before being forced to land in Thiruvananthapuram due to fuel issues.

Now stationed at Bay No. 4 of the airport under CISF security, the aircraft awaits a 40-member technical team from the UK and the US, including experts from Lockheed Martin, to arrive on a C-17 Globemaster aircraft with necessary equipment. If on-site repairs fail, there are plans to disassemble the jet's wings and transport it back.

The team’s arrival is contingent on clearances from India’s Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Indian Air Force.