The Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv recounted his harrowing experience of being stabbed by his co-pilot and his determination to save the over 170 passengers aboard.

Captain Smit Machchhar described being on the cockpit floor and still under attack when he realized the severity of the situation and made the critical decision to open the cockpit door.

"I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," Machchhar stated in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that others assisted in controlling the situation, emphasizing his resolve: "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 flight FZ1073 experienced a significant altitude drop of over 17,000 feet approximately two and a half hours into its journey early Wednesday morning. The aircraft initially transmitted an emergency signal before switching to code squawk 7500, indicating a hijacking.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that one pilot had stabbed the other and potentially attempted to crash the plane. After passengers subdued the attacker, two reserve pilots on board successfully landed the aircraft at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Machchhar, who has been lauded for his bravery, received medical attention in Tabuk and was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is reported to be in stable condition. Netanyahu also noted that the attacker, identified as an Omani national, appeared to be suicidal, with investigations underway by the UAE into potential links to terrorist activity.

Machchhar, who has 17 years of flying experience, was praised by Prime Minister Modi for his courage and quick thinking, which saved numerous lives. The Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed his recovery, with Ambassador Deepak Mittal expressing pride in his bravery. Machchhar expressed his positive outlook on recovery, viewing his wound as part of a journey towards regaining health and fitness.