Indian Captain Smit Machchhar played a key role in averting a major disaster after he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday.

According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Machchhar fought back despite being seriously injured and managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and other crew members to enter and overpower the attacker before the aircraft could be brought under control.

Netanyahu said the aircraft had begun to descend sharply when the attack unfolded. He credited Machchhar with resisting the alleged attacker and opening the cockpit door before collapsing.

Passengers then rushed towards the cockpit and helped subdue the co-pilot. Netanyahu said another crew member later entered the cockpit and helped stabilise the aircraft.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft, flying at about 34,000 feet, lost more than 17,000 feet in less than two minutes. It later diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.