‘You Stood Strong When It Mattered Most’: Shah Rukh Khan Salutes Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar
Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar after the flydubai cockpit crisis that unfolded mid air on September 30, calling attention to the captain’s actions during an emergency that put 174 people aboard Flight FZ1073 in grave danger.
“Captain Smit Machchhar, you stood strong when it mattered the most,” Shah Rukh Khan wrote in a social media post while wishing the pilot a speedy recovery. His message came as tributes poured in for the captain following the dramatic incident aboard the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight.
Flight FZ1073 was operating a Boeing 737 when its Omani co-pilot, identified in official reporting as Hammam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit. The UAE prosecutor general has said the co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft and described the incident as an attempted terrorist act. Investigators are still examining the motive and circumstances behind the attack.
The aircraft subsequently experienced severe altitude changes. Flight data reviewed by Reuters showed the plane losing more than 16,000 feet in about 30 seconds during its most dramatic descent. Emergency and unlawful interference alerts were transmitted before the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door while the aircraft was descending. Passengers and crew then entered the cockpit and helped restrain the co-pilot. Two off duty pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped take control, allowing the plane to land safely in Tabuk.
The captain later spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed, describing how he realised the aircraft was going down and made a final effort to open the cockpit door. Modi publicly praised his actions.
Machchhar was initially treated in Saudi Arabia and later transferred for further medical care in Abu Dhabi. On October 3, the Indian Embassy in the UAE said he remained under excellent medical care and was recovering well.
Shah Rukh Khan was among several Bollywood personalities to acknowledge the pilot. Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Sunny Deol and Tamannaah Bhatia were also among those who publicly praised Machchhar, alongside several other actors.
Meanwhile, authorities in the UAE and other countries continue to investigate exactly what triggered the cockpit confrontation and whether the co-pilot acted alone. Flydubai has also cautioned against premature speculation while the investigation continues.
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