"I knew I was not going to let others die."
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar revealed he opened the cockpit door of the Israel-bound Flydubai plane to allow passengers to retake control and halt its rapid descent.
In a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar said he was on the ground and still being attacked by his co-pilot when he realised the plane was plummeting and he had to do something.
He said: “I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside.
“Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die.”
Flydubai’s flight FZ1073 took off from Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates at 7:05 am local time en route to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.
The flight was carrying at least 150 people.
Flight-tracking data revealed that around two and a half hours after takeoff, the plane rapidly descended over Saudi Arabia, dropping more than 17,000ft.
Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot, who was allegedly attempting to crash the plane.
An injured Machchhar was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
They managed to retake control of the plane and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
Modi said: “India’s captain Smit used his presence of mind and courage.
“Today Israel PM also said one Indian helped prevent a 9/11. We are proud of Captain Smit. I spoke to his parents and wife. He is being treated.
“The whole world is proud of him. I urge the nation to pray for Smit’s quick recovery.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the pilot as a “true hero”.
Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Tabuk, a city in north-western Saudi Arabia. He was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is reported to be in a stable condition.
The Indian embassy said Machchhar was “in good health and recovering well”.
Ambassador Deepak Mittal said he was “proud of Captain Smit for his bravery” and “very reassured” to meet him.
Machchhar added: “I am not looking at this wound like a wound because that would make my recovery even more difficult.
“I am looking at it as a journey which is slowly going on and will take time but I am confident that the recovery will be there and I will become fit and healthy again.”
