Bollywood actor Salman Khan has praised flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during a serious mid-air incident aboard an Israel-bound flight, saying he would be pleased to fly with the pilot.
Khan took to social media platform X on October 3 to commend Machchhar, who was seriously injured during an incident involving his co-pilot in the cockpit of flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
In his post, Khan wrote, “Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain,” and added that it would be a pleasure to fly with Machchhar.
The flight experienced a sharp descent after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar. Despite being injured, the Indian captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker. Other pilots on board subsequently helped take control of the aircraft.
The aircraft was diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Reports said all passengers were safe, while Machchhar was later transferred to the UAE for further treatment. The co-pilot was detained, and authorities are investigating the circumstances and motive behind the incident.
Machchhar's actions have drawn public praise, including from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The incident remains under investigation, with authorities examining the events that led to the cockpit confrontation.
