Tabuk:Dubai The Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight, Captain Smit Machchhar, spoke for the first time about a frightening incident in which his co-pilot stabbed him, sharing his determination to prevent the passengers and crew from perishing as the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly.

According to Anadolu Agency, Machchhar recounted that while lying injured on the floor and still under attack, he realized the plane was descending. He made a final effort to open the cockpit door. During a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar explained, "When I fell, I could tell the plane was going down. I told myself to give it one last push to open the door from inside."

Despite being hurt, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing others to enter and help secure the situation. "I was of course trying to protect myself but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die," he added, emphasizing his resolve during the ordeal.

He credited his 17 years of flying experience, including 11 as a captain, with helping him understand the aircraft's condition, stating, "I can tell what is happening to the plane even with my eyes closed."

The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers. The altercation in the cockpit led to the aircraft plummeting over 17,000 feet before successfully diverting to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Flydubai confirmed that the crew secured the aircraft, and it landed safely.

Both the captain and first officer were hospitalized with injuries, but all passengers and crew members were unharmed. Prime Minister Modi praised Captain Machchhar for his "courage, patience and quick decision-making," highlighting how his actions saved many lives.