Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has recounted how he opened the cockpit door of an Israel-bound Flydubai flight while being attacked by his co-pilot, an act he believed was crucial to halting the plane's rapid descent and saving the lives of passengers.

Machchhar described the harrowing incident in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, explaining that he was on the floor, injured, when he realized the gravity of the situation and the aircraft's steep plunge. The mid-air assault forced the flight, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, to divert to Saudi Arabia.

The plane plummeted more than 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) approximately two hours into its journey on Wednesday. It was only after other passengers and crew members intervened, overpowering the attacker and regaining control, that the aircraft could be landed safely.

Prime Minister Modi commended Captain Machchhar for his "courage, patience and quick decision-making," stating that he had saved numerous lives and that the entire nation was proud of his actions. The pilot has also received praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who referred to him as a hero.

Following the incident, Captain Machchhar received initial medical attention in Tabuk, a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia. He was subsequently airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where his condition is reported as stable. The Indian embassy in the UAE confirmed his well-being and recovery on Thursday.

Reflecting on his injuries, Machchhar stated he was not viewing them as wounds that would impede his recovery. Instead, he described his current state as a "journey which is slowly going on" and expressed confidence in his eventual full health and fitness.

This incident highlights the critical importance of crew training and emergency protocols in aviation. While the full details of the co-pilot's motives and actions remain under investigation, the quick thinking and bravery of Captain Machchhar, alongside the intervention of other crew and passengers, prevented a potential catastrophe.

Further investigations by aviation authorities will likely focus on the circumstances leading to the attack and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety and security of air travel.