When a British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter made an unscheduled landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, it wasn’t just military protocol that followed — what took off was a wave of Malayali humour and unexpected brand marketing.
Diverted due to rough monsoon weather over the Indian Ocean, the jet — part of the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales carrier fleet — was forced to land in Kerala’s capital, drawing immediate attention from aviation enthusiasts, meme-makers, and even marketers with quick reflexes.
Trolls, Memes… and a Bit of Masala
Malayali social media, known for its lightning-fast wit, didn’t disappoint:
- One viral meme showed the jet landing near Varkala beach with the caption:
“Welcome to Kerala — where even fighter jets take a break to enjoy the view.” - Another showed the pilot asking,
“Chetta, pazham pori undalle?” (Brother, got banana fritters?)
Kerala Tourism Joins the Fun
Seizing the moment, Kerala Tourism posted a witty image on its social media handles featuring the jet with the tagline:
“Even stealth jets can’t resist God’s Own Country.”
#LandOfLanding #UnexpectedHoliday #F35BInKerala
The post went viral, receiving thousands of shares and comments, with users joking that the pilot “just wanted to taste Kerala fish curry and take a nap under a coconut tree.”
Kerala Tourism officials later confirmed that they plan to turn the buzz into a full-fledged international campaign:
“Kerala welcomes all — even from 35,000 feet. Come land with us.”
Local Brands Jump In
Kerala-based brands and businesses also rode the viral wave:
- KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) shared a photoshopped poster:
“New Service Launch: F-35B Superfast to Mavelikkara. Booking opens soon.” - Udaya Mess, a local restaurant, put up a board outside:
“Special Offer: Fighter Pilot Meals — Spicy, Fast, and Worth a Landing.” - A popular Ayurveda spa in Kovalam shared:
“Even fighter pilots need relaxation. Book your stealth massage now.”
“We’ve seen celebrities, politicians, and cricketers trend here. But this is the first time a jet stole the spotlight,” said a social media analyst.
Business Opportunity in a Meme Moment
Experts point out that this is a textbook case of real-time marketing done right.
“Kerala Tourism and local businesses instantly understood the assignment,” said a digital branding consultant. “It turned a military diversion into a marketing goldmine — and added a unique local flavour.”
From fighter jet to festival of humour, Kerala once again proved it can turn any moment — even one involving global military technology — into a celebration of culture, comedy, and commerce.
