Shilpa Shetty, R Madhavan Praise Captain Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Crisis
Indian actor Shilpa Shetty has praised Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar following a dramatic mid-air incident involving Flight FZ1073. The captain sustained injuries during an altercation in the cockpit but managed to help open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. The Indian Express
The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident unfolded. The aircraft later diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. More than 170 people were aboard the Boeing 737, and passengers and crew were accounted for after the emergency landing. NDTV
The incident has since drawn widespread attention in India, with several Bollywood celebrities expressing support for Machchhar and acknowledging the actions that helped prevent a much more serious outcome.
Shilpa Shetty Praises Captain Smit Machchhar
Shilpa Shetty took to social media to express her support for the injured captain. She highlighted Machchhar’s role in helping bring the passengers to safety.
Her message came as details of the cockpit emergency emerged. Reports said Machchhar suffered multiple injuries but still managed to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers then rushed forward and helped restrain the co-pilot.
The incident also involved other people on board who played a role in stabilising the situation. Reports said additional Flydubai pilots were travelling on the aircraft and later took control of the plane before the emergency landing in Tabuk.
Bollywood Celebrities Show Support
Shilpa Shetty was not the only Indian celebrity to react to the incident. Jackie Shroff also shared a message praising Machchhar and others involved in preventing the situation from escalating.
R Madhavan, Paresh Rawal, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Vijay Deverakonda were also reported to have expressed support for the pilot.
Their reactions came after reports detailed how the aircraft went through a rapid loss of altitude during the cockpit crisis. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft dropping sharply before eventually being stabilised and diverted to Tabuk. The Indian Express
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
According to reports, Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during the flight. The captain suffered stab wounds but fought back and managed to open the locked cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then entered the cockpit and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve or off-duty Flydubai pilot who was travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped take control of the plane. The Indian Express
The aircraft experienced a major loss of altitude during the incident. It also sent emergency transponder signals before changing course towards Tabuk, where it eventually landed safely. NDTV
The exact motive behind the cockpit attack remains under investigation. Saudi authorities have handed the co-pilot over to the UAE as the investigation continues. Reuters
Captain Machchhar’s Condition
Machchhar was taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia after the aircraft landed. Subsequent reports said he remained stable and was recovering from his injuries.
The Indian Embassy also later said Machchhar was in good health and recovering well after an ambassadorial visit to the hospital. ABP Live English
Machchhar is an Indian national and has worked as a commercial pilot for more than a decade. He joined Flydubai’s Boeing 737 fleet in 2022, according to reports citing his professional profile. Hindustan Times
The incident has placed the Indian captain at the centre of international attention. While investigators continue examining what triggered the cockpit confrontation, the safe landing brought relief to the passengers and their families.