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Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during the terrifying incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
Captain Smit Machchhar was praised by Shah Rukh Khan for his courage after being injured during an alleged co-pilot attack on flydubai flight FZ1073, managing a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and subsequently speaking with PM Narendra Modi.
The actor took to X to appreciate the captain’s courage after he was injured during an alleged attack by his co-pilot on the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, when the incident unfolded. Machchhar was reportedly injured but managed to help regain control of the situation and protect those on board.
Shah Rukh Khan Salutes Captain Smit Machchhar
Sharing his message on X, Shah Rukh Khan praised Machchhar for putting his own safety at risk while trying to protect the passengers.
Captain Smit Machchhar, you stood strong when it mattered the most!! It’s not easy to stare adversity in the face and put one’s safety on the line… but you did just that to protect those onboard and showed us what being a Captain entails. A true display of courage and duty.…
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 3, 2026
“Captain Smit Machchhar, you stood strong when it mattered the most!! It’s not easy to stare adversity in the face and put one’s safety on the line… but you did just that to protect those onboard and showed us what being a Captain entails,” Shah Rukh wrote.
Calling the incident a display of courage and duty, the actor added, “A true display of courage and duty. Wishing you a speedy recovery, the country is proud of you…”
The post quickly drew attention as several people continued to praise the pilot for his actions during the emergency.
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
The incident took place aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to reports, Captain Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during the flight. The aircraft subsequently went through a dramatic descent before being diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar suffered injuries during the incident. Despite being hurt, he reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing people inside the cabin to enter and intervene.
The aircraft was eventually brought under control and landed safely.
The incident is now being investigated by the relevant authorities, including questions surrounding the circumstances and motive behind the alleged cockpit attack.
Machchhar Later Spoke To PM Modi
Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Machchhar during a video call while the pilot was receiving medical treatment.
During the conversation, Machchhar described the moments when he realised that the aircraft was losing altitude.
He told Modi that he had fallen to the ground but knew that he needed to reach the cockpit door. He eventually managed to open it, after which people entered the cockpit.
Machchhar also told the Prime Minister that he had been flying for 17 years and had served as a captain for 11 years.
The pilot became emotional while recounting the incident and said he believed that God had saved him. He also said that he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal.
Bollywood Celebrities Praise The Pilot
Shah Rukh Khan is not the only Bollywood celebrity to acknowledge Captain Machchhar’s actions.
Actors including Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Sunny Deol and Tamannaah Bhatia also shared messages expressing appreciation for the pilot and wishing him a speedy recovery.
The messages came as details of the dramatic incident continued to emerge.
Captain Machchhar’s actions have received attention across India after the safe landing of the aircraft and the revelation of the circumstances inside the cockpit.
