Flydubai’s captain recounts the life-or-death moment.

According to the pilots and crew members of Flydubai, the co-pilot was Omani, an extremist Muslim, and refused to shake hands with women.

Meanwhile, the Indian captain has gradually recovered and has recounted the life-or-death moment for the first time. In a video call from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi (UAE) with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2nd, Captain Smit Machchhar recounted the moment he was attacked and his attempts to open the cockpit door to seek help from others. He said that after being attacked and falling to the floor, he realized the plane was plummeting. With 17 years of flying experience, including 11 years as a captain, he understood that he had to find a way to open the cockpit door.

Captain Smit Machchhar of flight FZ1073 shared: “I told myself, ‘This is my last attempt, Smit. The door is right there.’ Somehow, I managed to open the door and everyone got inside. I tried to save myself, but I also knew I couldn’t let anyone die.”

After the cockpit door was opened, pᴀssengers and crew members were able to subdue the co-pilot in time, allowing the plane to land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The co-pilot is currently being held in custody in the United Arab Emirates for questioning. Investigators are working to determine the motive for the incident, including whether the co-pilot acted alone or had links to extremist organizations.

Israel has increased security for flight crews following the Flydubai incident.