Abhinandan's parents were en route to meet the Wing Commander, who is set to be handed over to the country on Friday after he was captured by Pakistan's military

New Delhi: With the nation gearing up to welcome Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman at the Waga border, his parents were met with a standing ovation and cheers from co-passengers in their flight from Chennai to New Delhi. Varthaman's parents were en route to meet the Wing Commander, who is set to be handed over to the country on Friday after he was captured by Pakistan's military three days ago.

Passengers were overwhelmed

Once passengers sharing the flight realised who they were, all of them waited at their seats and cheered his parents on with a standing ovation in a gesture of gratitude. Videos of the same were tweeted.

SqL Abhinandan Varthaman, who has now become a social media sensation and a hero of India, was taken into Pakistani custody on Wednesday after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down in Pakistan as he fell on the other side of the Line of Control. This came after an aerial battle between India and Pakistan.

Varthaman was handed over on Friday

Crowds in large numbers and a team of IAF officials are waiting to receive the Wing Commander at the Wagah border on Friday evening, with his parents also present to welcome him.

Varthaman family

Abhinandan is the son of Air Marshal (Retd) Varthaman. His mother, Dr Shobha Varthaman, has worked with Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), having treated patients in conflict zero before self.