Salman Khan Praises Flydubai Captain After Cockpit Emergency

Salman Khan and other public figures praised Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar after reports that he was injured in a cockpit confrontation aboard flight FZ1073 on September 30. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also announced that the state would award Machchhar the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award. The circumstances of the confrontation remain under investigation. Khan posted on X that Machchhar had done an impressive job and that it would be a pleasure to fly with him. His message was among several public tributes to the captain. Sanjay Dutt, Ranveer Singh, Rashmika Mandanna and Ananya Panday also praised Machchhar, according to reports. Reports say FZ1073 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an altercation involving the copilot occurred in the cockpit. Machchhar was reportedly attacked and seriously injured, and the aircraft entered a steep descent. Accounts say he opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and help restrain the alleged attacker. Two off-duty pilots aboard then assisted with the aircraft, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing. Reports say passengers and crew were brought to safety.