Salman Khan praises hero pilot Smit Machchhar: 'Well done bro'
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TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESK
Captain Smit Machchhar is being hailed as a hero for safely landing a flydubai flight after being attacked by his co-pilot. Indian celebrities, including Salman Khan, and the Israeli Consulate have publicly praised his bravery in saving over 170 lives.
A Heroic Act Amidst Crisis
The aviation community and the public at large are currently honoring Captain Smit Machchhar, a flydubai pilot whose quick thinking and resilience averted a potential catastrophe. During a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, flight FZ1073, Captain Machchhar was subjected to a violent attack by his co-pilot, who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Machchhar successfully navigated the plane to a safe landing in Saudi Arabia, protecting the lives of over 170 passengers and crew members on board.
Celebrity Recognition and Public Sentiment
The bravery displayed by Captain Machchhar has resonated far beyond the aviation sector. Bollywood icon Salman Khan took to the social media platform X to express his admiration, stating, "Kamaal kar diya pilot ji, hum sab aap ko salute karte hain," and noting that it would be a pleasure to fly with him. This sentiment was echoed by other prominent Indian figures, including Shilpa Shetty and Jackie Shroff, who collectively highlighted the pride felt across the nation for his heroic intervention.
International Acknowledgment
The impact of this event has reached an international scale, particularly in Israel, the intended destination of the flight. The Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai honored the pilot by erecting a billboard in the city, reading, "India has a new hero, and Israel will never forget his name." Consul General Yaniv Revach publicly thanked the captain for his life-saving actions, emphasizing that Israel remains grateful for his sacrifice and service during the critical incident.
The Nature of the Incident
Reports indicate that the situation was exceptionally grave. According to details shared regarding the incident, the co-pilot utilized a 'crash axe' from the cockpit during the assault. Visuals circulating on social media have depicted the harrowing aftermath, showing the captain in the aircraft galley, injured and wearing an oxygen mask. The severity of the attack underscores the gravity of the threat faced by the passengers and the extraordinary composure required by Captain Machchhar to maintain control of the aircraft under such duress.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
This incident has sparked serious discussions regarding cockpit security and the psychological screening of flight crews. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on the recovery of Captain Machchhar, who is currently healing from his injuries. His actions have not only solidified his status as a national hero in India but have also fostered a moment of international solidarity, with many waiting to welcome him once he has fully recovered from this traumatic event.
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