On September 30, 2026, Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, averted a major aviation emergency while commanding a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. After being attacked by his co-pilot, the captain transmitted hijack codes and unlocked the cockpit door despite injuries, enabling crew and passengers to subdue the assailant and safely divert the aircraft, saving 174 lives.

The incident prompted widespread appreciation from Bollywood personalities. Shah Rukh Khan posted on social media praising Machchhar's courage, saying "Captain Smit Machchhar, you stood strong when it mattered the most!!" and wishing him recovery. Salman Khan also extended congratulations, while numerous other actors including Ranveer Singh, Shraddha Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Sunny Deol, Kangana Ranaut, Raveena Tandon, R. Madhavan and Vijay Deverakonda shared messages of admiration on social media platforms.

Lyricist Javed Akhtar called for the pilot to be awarded the Mahavir Chakra, India's second-highest wartime gallantry award. Anil Kapoor noted a personal connection through his business manager, who had known Machchhar since flying school, and emphasised the pilot's extraordinary presence of mind under crisis.