Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 14 hrs ago
Actor praises Captain Smit Machchhar after flydubai midair emergency
Actor Shobhinaw Satyaa has praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his actions during an emergency aboard a flydubai flight on September 30.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers to Israel when Machchhar was seriously injured in an alleged attack by his co-pilot.
The plane descended sharply, and Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries.
Two reserve pilots took control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
In a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar said chanting the Hanuman Chalisa gave him courage during the ordeal.
Satyaa, who plays Neem Karoli Baba in the film Hanuman Ansh, said Machchhar’s account strengthened his own faith and showed that heroes still exist.
Machchhar has undergone surgery and is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Actor Shobhinaw Satyaa praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his conduct during a midair emergency aboard a flydubai flight.
Satyaa said Machchhar’s account of chanting the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal strengthened his faith.
The incident took place on September 30 aboard flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers and bound for Israel.
Machchhar was seriously injured after his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him, though accounts differ on whether the attack involved a crash axe or stabbing.
The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar was later taken to Abu Dhabi for treatment.
- Who
- Actor Shobhinaw Satyaa praised Captain Smit Machchhar.
- What
- Satyaa praised Machchhar’s conduct during a flydubai midair emergency and said the pilot’s account of chanting the Hanuman Chalisa strengthened his faith.
- When
- The flight incident happened on September 30. Satyaa spoke at a recent India Today event; the articles were published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, bound for Israel. The aircraft landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Satyaa said Machchhar’s bravery reminded people that heroes still exist and that his account of faith was meaningful to him.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Incidents like these (Smit Machchhar’s act of bravery aboard a flydubai flight) remind us that heroes still exist
Lord Hanuman gave me courage
The bigger thing was that he also made us realise the power of the Hanuman Chalisa. When that man recited the Hanuman Chalisa there, he touched upon something that is a matter of faith for us
I was fighting for my life. I realised at that time that if I won't show courage, then 170 passengers will lose their lives
An incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, and Machchhar was seriously injured.
The aircraft transmitted emergency signals and descended more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet.
Two reserve pilots took control and landed the aircraft safely at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he had chanted the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal.
Articles reported that Satyaa had praised Machchhar at a recent India Today event.
- Flight
- flydubai FZ1073
- Incident date
- September 30
- Passengers
- 174
- Starting altitude
- 34,000 feet
- Descent
- More than 17,000 feet
- Landing airport
- Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Sources
Shobhinaw Satyaa praises Captain Smit: 'Made us realise the power of 'Hanuman Chalisa'
Hanuman Ansh Actor Shobhinaw Satyaa Praises Smit Machchhar For Midair Bravery: ‘Heroes Still Exist’
‘Made us realize power of Hanuman Chalisa’: Hanuman Ansh actor lauds Smit Machchhar








