Juhi Chawla salutes Captain Smit Machchhar after Salman, SRK tributes
Synopsis
Three of Bollywood's biggest names — Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Juhi Chawla — have publicly saluted Captain Smit Machchhar, the Flydubai pilot who, despite being allegedly attacked by his co-pilot mid-flight, kept his composure, opened the cockpit door, and ensured the safe diversion of flight FZ1073 with 174 passengers aboard to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Key Takeaways
Juhi Chawla posted a tribute on X on 3 October 2026 , saluting Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery.
Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan had earlier posted their own tributes on X , each praising the captain's courage.
Captain Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 , travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers .
Despite serious injuries, the captain opened the cockpit door to allow crew intervention; the aircraft was safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia .
Captain Machchhar is currently recovering, with an outpouring of public support from across India.
Actress Juhi Chawla on 3 October 2026 became the latest Bollywood figure to pay tribute to Captain Smit Machchhar, hailing his extraordinary courage after the pilot was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot mid-flight on Flydubai flight FZ1073. Her post followed similar tributes from superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, reflecting widespread admiration for the captain's composure under life-threatening conditions.
Juhi Chawla's Tribute
Taking to her official X handle, Juhi Chawla wrote: 'Incredible courage and presence of mind. Salute Captain Smit Machchhar. Such bravery in a moment of grave danger. Wish you get well very soon!' The post drew wide engagement, adding to a growing wave of public support for the injured pilot.
Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan Also Speak Out
Earlier on the same day, Shah Rukh Khan posted a heartfelt message on X, stating: '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. A true display of courage and duty. Wishing you a speedy recovery, the country is proud of you…'
Salman Khan also took to X to salute the captain, writing in a characteristically warm tone: 'Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain will be a pleasure to fly with u.. Well done bro.. Capt #SmitMachchhar.'
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073
Captain Smit Machchhar was at the controls of Flydubai flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers on board, when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the captain reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely, averting what could have been a catastrophic outcome.
Outpouring of Support
The story has resonated deeply across India, with the pilot's calm resolve under extreme duress drawing comparisons to the highest standards of professional duty. The back-to-back tributes from three of Bollywood's most prominent names underscore just how widely the incident has captured the public imagination. Captain Machchhar is currently recovering, and well-wishers from across the country have flooded social media with messages of support.
As the captain recuperates, questions regarding the incident's investigation and the status of the co-pilot remain the focus of aviation authorities.
Point of View
But the more pressing question — how a co-pilot was able to allegedly assault his commanding officer in a secured cockpit — has barely entered public discourse. The emotional tributes risk overshadowing the structural questions around cockpit safety protocols that regulators and Flydubai will need to answer. India's aviation sector, growing rapidly, cannot afford to let the hero narrative crowd out the accountability one.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Captain Smit Machchhar?
Captain Smit Machchhar is the pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 who was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit while the aircraft was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers. Despite being seriously injured, he managed to open the cockpit door and ensure the plane was safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
What happened on Flydubai flight FZ1073?
According to reports, the co-pilot on Flydubai flight FZ1073 allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit mid-flight. The captain, despite sustaining serious injuries, opened the cockpit door to allow passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft was then diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Why are Bollywood celebrities saluting Captain Machchhar?
Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Juhi Chawla have each publicly praised Captain Machchhar for his remarkable composure and bravery in the face of a life-threatening cockpit attack. Their tributes reflect the widespread admiration for his quick thinking, which is credited with ensuring the safety of all 174 passengers on board.
What did Shah Rukh Khan say about Captain Machchhar?
Shah Rukh Khan posted on X that Captain Machchhar 'stood strong when it mattered the most' and called it 'a true display of courage and duty,' also wishing him a speedy recovery and adding that 'the country is proud of you.'
What is the current condition of Captain Smit Machchhar?
Captain Smit Machchhar is reportedly recovering after sustaining serious injuries during the alleged cockpit attack. Well-wishers including several prominent Bollywood celebrities have wished him a speedy recovery.
