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Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar has recounted how he opened the cockpit door while injured and still being attacked by his co-pilot, saying he was determined to prevent other passengers from losing their lives.

Machchhar made the emotional disclosure during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, following the dramatic incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. 

According to Machchhar, he was lying injured on the cockpit floor when he realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude. Despite suffering multiple injuries, he understood that he needed to act quickly.

“I was fighting for my life,” Machchhar told Modi, explaining that he realised passengers could die if the situation continued.

He said he noticed that the cockpit door was within reach and decided to make one final effort to open it.

“I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside,” he recalled.

Machchhar said he was still being attacked when he managed to release the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to enter and intervene.

“I was being hit even then, but I just opened the door and everyone came in,” he said. 

The captain added that although he was fighting for his own survival, he was also conscious of the hundreds of people on board.

“I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die,” Machchhar said. 

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar during the flight. The aircraft subsequently experienced a rapid descent, prompting passengers and crew to rush towards the cockpit.

After Machchhar opened the door, passengers reportedly helped restrain the co-pilot. Other Flydubai crew members who were travelling on the aircraft as relief or off-duty pilots then took control of the plane.

The aircraft was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Reports indicate that all passengers and crew survived the incident. 

Machchhar, who has around 17 years of aviation experience and has served as a captain for about 11 years, is recovering from his injuries.

During the conversation with Modi, the pilot also described how he relied on his faith during the ordeal, saying he recited a Hindu prayer while fighting through the pain.

The incident remains under investigation, including questions surrounding the co-pilot’s motive and whether there was any prior planning or connection to terrorism. Authorities have not yet established those issues conclusively. 

The captain’s decision to open the cockpit door proved critical because it allowed passengers and crew to intervene at a moment when the aircraft was in serious danger.

Machchhar’s account has since drawn widespread attention, with Indian and international officials praising the captain, passengers and other crew members whose actions helped bring the aircraft under control and ensure that everyone aboard survived.