Salman Khan salutes hero pilot Smit Machchhar after averting FlyDubai crisis; says 'will be a pleasure to fly with u... Well done bro'

Bollywood's bhaijaan, Salman Khan has become the latest celebrity to laud Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped save over 100 lives on a FlyDubai flight.Taking to his X handle, Salman shared a message of appreciation for Machchhar, who was seriously injured when he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot mid-air. In his tweet, Khan wrote, “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."As per reports, Machchhar was piloting FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the co-pilot allegedly attacked him inside the cockpit. Despite sustaining injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and helped restrain the attacker.The aircraft was eventually diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. As per a report on Reuters, more than 170 people were on board, and all occupants reached safety.Salman is among several Indian celebrities to publicly acknowledge Machchhar’s heroism. Shilpa Shetty also posted, “Heart goes out to everyone affected. And immense respect for Captain Smit Machchhar for bringing over 170 lives to safety.”Actor Jackie Shroff also praised the pilot saying, “Some heroes work in silence! All my respects to Captain Smit Machchhar and the other brave heroes for saving lives and averting a massive tragedy.”Vicky Kaushal shared a picture of Captain Machchhar in the cockpit on his Instagram Stories and simply wrote, “Braveheart! Capt Smit Machchhar.”Sunny Deol also shared a picture of the injured pilot and wrote, “Captain Smit Machchhar – extraordinary courage and presence of mind when it mattered most. You helped avert a disaster and save lives. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Salute.”Tamannaah Bhatia, meanwhile, shared a text post highlighting the responsibility Sumit Machchhar was carrying while fighting for his own life. She wrote, “Imagine being injured, fighting for your own life and still thinking about the 174 lives that are relying on you. Captain Smit Machchhar, so much respect Praying for your recovery”On the work front, Salman Khan is currently shooting for 'Bigg Boss' and is also shooting his action entertainer directed by Vamshi Paidipally, co-starring Nayanthara. He is also awaiting the release of his war film, 'Maatrubhumi' which is still awaiting its release.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!