Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Salman Khan Praises Flydubai Captain After Mid-Air Cockpit Attack
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a serious fight happened in the cockpit.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked him, and Machchhar was badly hurt.
He said he opened the cockpit door so passengers and crew could come in and help.
Other pilots helped take control of the plane.
The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Reports disagree about how many people were aboard and how far the plane dropped.
Salman Khan praised Machchhar on social media and said he would be happy to fly with him.
The attack’s motive is still being investigated.
Salman Khan praised Captain Smit Machchhar on X, saying it would be a pleasure to fly with him.
On September 30, Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit.
Despite serious injuries, Machchhar said he opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
Other pilots helped regain control, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; reports differ on whether 174 or 180 people were aboard.
The UAE said it would investigate; reports differ on the plane’s descent and the attack’s motive remains unconfirmed.
- Who
- Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, the co-pilot, passengers and crew; Salman Khan praised Machchhar.
- What
- A cockpit attack allegedly injured Machchhar during a flight; he opened the cockpit door, others intervened, and the aircraft landed safely.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30. Khan’s post was reported on Saturday; another report dates it October 2.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar was treated in Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The motive behind the co-pilot’s alleged attack remains under investigation.
Public characterizations
Investigation status
Description of the attack
Public characterizations
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called the incident a “terrorist act”; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared “suicidal.”
Investigation status
The reports say the motive remains under investigation and do not describe these characterizations as confirmed investigative findings.
Possible Iranian connection
Public characterizations
US President Donald Trump warned Iran would be “hit very hard” if it were found to be linked to the attack.
Investigation status
The reports present a possible Iranian link as conditional and do not say one had been established.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Incident date
- September 30
- Reported route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- People aboard
- Reports give differing figures: 174 or 180
- Aircraft descent
- Reports describe different estimates, including about 14,000, 16,000 and more than 17,000 feet
- Captain’s account
- Machchhar said he opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to enter
- Investigation
- The UAE said it would investigate; the motive was not established in the reports
Sources
‘Kamaal kar diya pilot ji’: Salman Khan praises Smit Machchhar for averting flydubai flight crisis
'Kamaal kar diya pilot ji...': Salman Khan hails Flydubai hero Captain Smit Machchhar
'Well Done Bro': Salman Khan Praises Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar After Mid-Air Cockpit Attack
‘Well done bro’ - Salman Khan lauds flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for his bravery - Telegraph India
Salman Khan praises Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for courage during mid-air emergency
Salman Khan salutes Captain Smit Machchhar: 'Will be a pleasure to fly with you'
