# Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan salute Captain Smit Machchhar after Flydubai attack

Published 2026-10-03T10:51:04Z

> Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan led a wave of film stars praising Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who opened the cockpit door after his co-pilot stabbed him and helped save 174 people on board.

Shah Rukh Khan has joined Salman Khan in praising Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar. His co-pilot stabbed him inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight, but he kept fighting. Both stars posted on X to honour the captain, whose courage helped save the 174 people on board.

Shah Rukh wrote that the pilot "stood strong when it mattered the most" and called his actions "a true display of courage and duty." He said it is never easy to face danger and risk your own safety for others. He wished Machchhar a speedy recovery and told him the country is proud of him.

Salman's message came a day earlier, in his usual casual style. He wrote "Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain," which means the pilot did a fantastic job and everyone salutes him. He added that it would be a pleasure to fly with the captain and signed off with "Well done bro."

Many more film stars joined in. Karan Johar shared a photo of the captain and thanked him for putting other people's lives before his own while he was fighting for his life. Vicky Kaushal called him a braveheart and Ranveer Singh called him courageous, while Paresh Rawal, R Madhavan, Vijay Deverakonda and Ravi Kishan also wished him a quick recovery.

The attack happened on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board, including 27 children. While the plane was over Saudi Arabia, the co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed Machchhar inside the cockpit. Though badly hurt, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, so passengers and crew could rush in and overpower the attacker.

Two other pilots who were travelling on the flight then took control. The plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely there. Later, from his hospital bed, Machchhar told Prime Minister Narendra Modi how he opened the cockpit door. Reports say he is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi and his condition is stable.

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Source: https://clapnumber.com/news/shah-rukh-khan-and-salman-khan-salute-captain-smit-machchhar-after-flydubai-attack
Retrieved: 2026-10-03