The Indian captain of the Flyday plane, whose co-pilot was injured during the ground attack, says he fought for his life but was determined not to let others die.

In a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Smith said of Chatcher that when he realized the plane was falling and he had to do something, the cockpit floor fell and he put on gloves with the help of his pilot.

According to him, "I was injured on the floor of the cell, but I told myself to try one last time to open the door from the inside."

He added: "Others stepped in and played a role in controlling the situation. Of course I fought for my life, but at the same time I knew I shouldn't let others die."

The Tel Aviv plane, which was on its way to Tel Aviv from Dubai, fell more than 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) two and a half hours after the flight began on Wednesday. At this time the passengers and flight crew overpowered the attacking co-pilot and regained control of the plane. The flight had to be diverted to Tabuk, a city in northwestern Saudi Arabia.