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By Chetanya Sarraf
Oct 03, 2026, 2:48 PM
Salman Khan Praises Pilot Smit Machchhar
Bollywood actor Salman Khan has praised Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar after the Indian pilot helped bring a serious mid-air emergency under control aboard Flight FZ1073. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026, when an alleged attack inside the cockpit created a dangerous situation.
Machchhar sustained serious injuries during the incident but still managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to step in. The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all 174 passengers reported safe.
The incident has received widespread attention in India, with public figures and officials praising the captain and others who helped bring the situation under control. Salman Khan has now joined several Bollywood personalities in publicly acknowledging Machchhar’s actions.
Captain Smit Machchhar Receives Praise From Salman Khan
Salman Khan shared his reaction on X after details of the Flydubai incident emerged. The actor praised Captain Machchhar and expressed his willingness to fly with him in the future.
In his post, Salman said, “Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain,” and added that it would be a pleasure to fly with him. He also called the pilot “bro” while expressing his appreciation for his actions.
The message quickly attracted attention because the incident had already become a major talking point across India. Machchhar’s actions during the emergency have received recognition from several public figures following the safe landing of the aircraft.
Salman was among several Bollywood celebrities who reacted to the story. Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, Rashmika Mandanna and Ananya Panday also expressed support for the pilot, according to reports.
The reactions have added an entertainment angle to an incident that is primarily being investigated as an aviation emergency. Salman’s message drew attention because of his direct reference to flying with Machchhar.
What Happened on Flight FZ1073?
An emergency unfolded inside the cockpit of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 while it travelled from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
Reports indicate that the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar while the flight was in progress. The aircraft then went through a rapid descent of thousands of feet, creating a serious emergency for everyone aboard.
Machchhar was injured during the confrontation but managed to unlock and open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and members of the cabin crew to enter the flight deck and intervene.
Two off-duty pilots were also reportedly among the passengers. They helped manage the aircraft after the crew brought the cockpit situation under control.
The crew diverted the aircraft to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All 174 passengers survived the incident.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack. They are examining what happened inside the cockpit, the actions of the co-pilot and the events that led to the aircraft’s rapid descent.
Authorities have not yet established a clear motive for the alleged attack. Various claims have emerged regarding the co-pilot’s possible intentions, but these remain part of the investigation and should not be treated as confirmed facts.
The international route and passengers from several countries have also drawn attention to the incident. The safe landing prevented the emergency from becoming a larger aviation disaster.
Captain Machchhar’s Actions During the Emergency
Captain Smit Machchhar has received widespread recognition for his response during the emergency. Despite suffering injuries, he managed to take an important step that allowed people outside the cockpit to intervene.
According to reports, Machchhar opened the cockpit door after being attacked. Passengers and crew members then entered and helped overpower the co-pilot.
The presence of two off-duty pilots on the aircraft also became important after the cockpit situation was brought under control. They assisted with the flight while the crew diverted the aircraft to Tabuk.
Machchhar later spoke about the incident and described the difficult moments following the attack. During a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he reportedly said that he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries.
The Indian pilot has since received praise from Indian officials and international figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Machchhar and acknowledged his actions during the emergency.
Machchhar remains under medical care as he recovers from the incident. Reports have stated that he was seriously injured but remained stable while recovering.
The response aboard Flight FZ1073 involved several people working together under difficult circumstances. The captain’s actions, followed by assistance from passengers, cabin crew and off-duty pilots, helped the aircraft reach the ground safely.
The investigation will determine the complete sequence of events and the reasons behind the cockpit confrontation. Until authorities release their final findings, details about the motive remain subject to investigation.
Bollywood Celebrities React to the Incident
Salman Khan’s post has become one of the widely discussed celebrity reactions to the Flydubai emergency. His message came after the pilot’s actions received attention from officials and the public.
Several Bollywood celebrities have also shared messages supporting Machchhar. Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, Rashmika Mandanna and Ananya Panday were among those reported to have praised the pilot.
R Madhavan, Vijay Deverakonda, Ravi Kishan and Paresh Rawal also expressed their support for Machchhar following the incident.
The celebrity reactions reflect the wider public interest in the story, particularly because the captain was an Indian pilot and the aircraft eventually landed safely after a serious emergency.
Salman Khan’s message brought additional attention to Machchhar’s recovery and the events aboard Flight FZ1073. His comment about being willing to fly with the captain was widely shared and discussed on social media.
At the same time, the investigation remains the most important part of the developing story. Authorities are examining the alleged attack, the aircraft’s rapid descent and the actions of everyone involved.
The incident has highlighted the importance of emergency response procedures and cooperation during an unexpected aviation crisis. The actions of the captain, passengers, cabin crew and off-duty pilots all played a role in helping the aircraft reach Tabuk safely.
For Captain Machchhar, the immediate focus remains on his recovery from the injuries sustained during the incident. His actions have received recognition from Indian officials, aviation circles and members of the entertainment industry.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to establish more details about the cockpit incident and the events that caused the flight to enter an emergency situation.
For now, Flight FZ1073’s safe landing remains the key outcome, with all passengers surviving the incident. Captain Smit Machchhar continues to receive attention for his actions, while investigators work to establish the full circumstances behind what happened aboard the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
Source: ANI
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