The Indian film fraternity is rallying behind Captain Smit Machchhar, a brave Indian pilot who is being hailed as a hero for averting a major aviation tragedy. Captain Machchhar was at the helm of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an altercation broke out in the cockpit. Despite sustaining serious injuries during the mid-air incident, the pilot displayed remarkable presence of mind, managing to unlock the cockpit door to allow for intervention before the flight was safely diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Prominent figures from the industry, including Raveena Tandon, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Shamita Shetty, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, have taken to social media to commend his extraordinary courage. Chef Kunal Kapur also shared a heartfelt tribute, noting that it takes immense strength to prioritize the lives of 174 passengers over one’s own safety during such a harrowing ordeal. The sentiment across the board is one of immense pride for the pilot’s valour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the captain during the UPSC centenary celebrations in New Delhi, comparing his actions to preventing a potential 9/11-style tragedy. The Prime Minister revealed he has been in touch with Machchhar’s family to check on his health as he undergoes treatment in a Tabuk hospital. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also publicly recognized the captain’s heroism, noting that despite being severely wounded, his quick thinking saved the flight from a nosedive.
Captain Machchhar is a seasoned aviator with over 13 years of experience and nearly 9,750 flying hours. Before his current role as a direct-entry captain with Flydubai, he spent over a decade with SpiceJet as a Line Training Captain. As he continues his recovery, the nation joins the Prime Minister in praying for his long life and speedy return to health, honoring the man who has brought such immense honor to India on the global stage.