The captain of the Flydubai aircraft subjected to a mid-air assault by his co-pilot has recounted the harrowing ordeal, explaining that his primary focus was preventing a catastrophe for the people on board. Captain Smit Machchhar spoke about the incident during a video conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, detailing the critical moments when the flight descended rapidly over the Middle East.

Flight FZ1073 had departed from Dubai in the early hours of Wednesday, bound for Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers. Roughly two and a half hours into the trip, the aircraft experienced a sudden plunge of more than 17,000 feet after transmitting an emergency signal and subsequently broadcasting a hijacking code. Israeli leadership later confirmed that one aviator had assaulted the other and appeared to attempt a deliberate crash.

Despite sustaining injuries while on the ground inside the aircraft, Captain Machchhar recognized that the transport was losing altitude and immediate action was required. He gathered his remaining strength to unlock the cabin barrier from the inside, enabling others to enter and assist in neutralizing the threat. He noted that while he was fighting for his own survival, he remained entirely dedicated to saving the lives of the passengers.

Following the intervention of passengers and reserve flight deck crew members traveling as civilians, the aircraft was diverted safely to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Captain Machchhar was hospitalized in Saudi territory before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care, where officials confirmed his condition is stable. Israeli authorities praised his actions, while Prime Minister Modi commended his resilience, calmness, and rapid thinking during the crisis.

Ambassadors and local diplomats have visited the recovering pilot, expressing immense pride in his professional conduct and bravery. Captain Machchhar has adopted an optimistic outlook toward his physical healing, viewing his injuries as part of a gradual process rather than a setback. With seventeen years of experience in aviation, he remarked that his deep familiarity with aircraft behavior allowed him to grasp the severity of the situation immediately.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.