Shah Rukh Khan praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on October 3 for his bravery during a Flydubai mid-air incident. Khan said, "Captain Smit Machchhar, you stood strong when it mattered the most!!" The pilot got injured during a cockpit altercation but safely landed the flight in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Shah Rukh Khan has joined several celebrities in praising Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar following the Flydubai mid-air incident. Machchhar was seriously injured during the emergency but reportedly displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind while working to protect those onboard. Khan took to social media to commend the pilot for putting the safety of passengers ahead of his own and highlighted the courage and sense of duty he demonstrated during the crisis. The actor also wished Machchhar a speedy recovery and expressed pride in his actions.
Shah Rukh Khan Lauds Captain Smit Machchhar
On October 3, taking to his X account, Shah Rukh Khan has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during the Flydubai mid-air incident. The actor took to social media to acknowledge Machchhar's bravery and his decision to put the safety of those onboard ahead of his own.
Sharing a note for the pilot, Shah Rukh Khan wrote, "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." Khan further described Machchhar's actions as "a true display of courage and duty" and wished him a speedy recovery. He concluded his message by writing, "Wishing you a speedy recovery, the country is proud of you..."
What Happened On The Flydubai Flight?
The incident took place aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. An altercation reportedly took place inside the cockpit while the aircraft was in flight, leaving Captain Machchhar seriously injured.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the pilot is receiving medical treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage and presence of mind during the Flydubai incident, saying his actions helped avert a major tragedy. During a conversation with Modi, Machchhar reportedly revealed that he continued fighting despite sustaining serious injuries while reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, determined to protect the passengers onboard. Modi also spoke with the pilot's family and assured them of complete assistance from Indian diplomatic missions as Machchhar continues to recover in the UAE.
Celebrities Praise Captain Smit Machchhar
Captain Smit Machchhar has received widespread praise from Indian celebrities following the Flydubai mid-air incident. Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, several stars, including Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna, Raveena Tandon, Ravi Kishan, Kangana Ranaut, and others have lauded the Indian pilot's courage and presence of mind during the emergency.