Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi he opened the cockpit door and shouted for help despite multiple wounds and continued blows, allowing passengers and crew to intervene during Wednesday’s suspected hijacking attempt. In his first public remarks since the attack, the Indian captain said he could feel the aircraft diving while he lay on the floor. “What I did was to save my life, but at the same time I knew I couldn't let everyone else die,” he said.

The Dubai to Tel Aviv flight, carrying 174 people, landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot and additional Flydubai pilots aboard took control. Machchhar is receiving treatment in the UAE and said he was confident of a full recovery. He credited the others who intervened, saying, “Everyone took an equal part in it.”

An Emirati source told reporter Baruch Yedid that investigators found publications from “Free Palestine” groups among the Omani co-pilot’s belongings and that he had repeatedly expressed hostility toward Israel. The UAE investigation is examining possible terrorist motives, prior planning or direction. No Iranian role has been established, and Flydubai’s flights to and from Israel remain suspended while the investigation continues.