Salman Khan praised Captain Smit Machchhar after the pilot thwarted a mid-air attack on Flydubai Flight FZ1073. The incident occurred on September 30, when an Omani co-pilot stabbed Machchhar during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite severe injuries, Machchhar maintained control as the plane descended 16,000 feet
Salman Khan has joined a growing chorus of voices hailing Captain Smit Machchhar as a national hero after the pilot’s extraordinary actions during a mid-air crisis on Flydubai Flight FZ1073. The incident unfolded on September 30, when the flight, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was hijacked in its cockpit by an Omani co-pilot who allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar in what appears to have been a terror-motivated attack.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar remained at his post, maintaining control of the aircraft as it plummeted nearly 16,000 feet in just two minutes. His composure under pressure allowed the crew and passengers to intervene — some breached the cockpit to subdue the attacker, and secure a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
All 180 people aboard survived without injury. The event has since drawn international attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly commending Machchhar for his courage, presence of mind, and resilience. Bollywood celebrities followed suit: Sonam Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, R Madhavan, Vijay Deverakonda, Paresh Rawal, Kangana Ranaut, and others took to social media to express their admiration.
Salman Khan’s message came last, but carried weight. On X, he posted: “Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain will be a pleasure to fly with u.. Well done bro.. Capt #SmitMachchhar.” The tweet, written in Hindi and English, underscored not just recognition but personal respect.
A rare gesture from an actor whose public persona often leans into spectacle. The pilot’s family, based in Rajkot, shared their pride. Pulkit Machchhar, his cousin, told ANI that the entire community and nation were proud of the role he played in saving lives. “It is a matter of immense pride for our family and the entire country,” he said.
“When a national leader issues a personal statement, it is a proud moment.” The incident remains under investigation. No official cause has been confirmed beyond the stabbing and the resulting descent. But one thing is clear: a man in uniform, injured and outnumbered, chose to act. And now, so did a superstar, on a platform where silence is often louder than praise.
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