Speaking from a hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, Machchhar appeared with bandages on his head and hands and a tube in his nose as he described his desperate attempt to open the cockpit door while the aircraft rapidly lost altitude.

Machchhar told Modi that despite being seriously injured and lying on the cockpit floor, he realized he needed to reach the door and let others inside.

“I knew that the aircraft was going down,” Machchhar said. “I told myself that the door is right there, just open it. I managed to do it and people entered.”

The incident occurred Wednesday aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board.

According to authorities, Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during what Israeli officials have described as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. The motive remains under investigation.

During the attack, the Boeing 737 plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the co-pilot. Other qualified pilots aboard the aircraft then took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Machchhar was later transferred to a hospital in Abu Dhabi for further treatment.

During the nearly 10-minute conversation, an emotional Machchhar wiped away tears while recounting the attack and his efforts to prevent the aircraft from crashing.

Modi praised the captain for his courage and quick thinking, saying his actions helped save the lives of those aboard the flight.

The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation into the incident as authorities seek to determine the co-pilot’s motive and whether the attack was premeditated or linked to terrorism.

Flydubai has suspended its flights to Israel while the investigation continues.