Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073, has spoken for the first time since being seriously injured in an attack on board, describing how he fought to open the cockpit door despite being stabbed because he knew 170 lives depended on it.
Captain's 'one last push' to save passengers
Machchhar, from Mumbai, was injured in Wednesday's attack but still managed to gather the strength to open the door and allow passengers in, who restrained the attacker as the Boeing 737 descended sharply.
The attack forced the flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Tel Aviv, Israel, to make an emergency landing in Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Pilot speaks to Indian PM Modi
Machchhar is now recovering from his injuries in hospital and has spoken to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is among the many world leaders to have praised his actions.
"I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," Machchhar told Modi.
"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."
He went on: "I realised at that time that if I won't show courage, then 170 passengers will lose their lives.
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."
World leaders praise pilot's courage
Modi said the captain was a "hero" who showed "immense courage". He wrote on X: "Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.
"His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar. Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health."
Shota Musayev, a dentist and eyewitness, told how Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door to let them in before they grappled with the co-pilot. Musayev then treated Machchhar. "Poor pilot, he was just praying the whole time and was in contact with me, and I was afraid we would really lose him," Musayev said.
Neighbours and security response
In Ghatkopar East, the Mumbai suburb where Machchhar's family lives, neighbours spoke of how easy-going he is and lauded his courage. "He has a lot of bravery in him," said Ami Sapani, a neighbour who knows the family. "God is with him."
Wednesday's attack triggered a major security response in Israel, with authorities scrambling fighter jets following a hijack alert. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker, an Omani national, was arrested in Saudi Arabia and was undergoing interrogation there. His motive for the attack was not immediately clear.
