In the early hours of 5th September 1986, terror descended on Pan Am Flight 73. Parked on the tarmac at Karachi Airport, the aircraft became the target of a brutal hijacking as four armed terrorists stormed aboard. Screams filled the cabin, fear paralysed many—and yet, in the midst of the chaos, one young woman took action.
Her name was Neerja Bhanot. At just 22 years old, she was the senior flight purser on duty, a dedicated professional from India who, in the span of a few harrowing hours, would etch her name into history through extraordinary bravery.
With calm precision and a deep sense of duty, Neerja discreetly activated the hijack code via the aircraft’s intercom system—alerting the cockpit crew before the hijackers could stop her. Her quick thinking enabled the pilots to escape through the overhead hatch, effectively grounding the plane and denying the terrorists their most valuable asset: the ability to take flight.
Over the next 17 hours, Neerja became the lifeline between the hijackers and the innocent. When the attackers demanded American passports in a bid to single out U.S. citizens, Neerja quietly gathered the documents and hid them—under seat cushions, in rubbish bins, even flushing some away. Her actions, carried out with quiet resolve, saved numerous lives.
Throughout the ordeal, Neerja remained a beacon of courage. She comforted panicked passengers, ensured food was distributed, and tended to the elderly. Her focus was unwavering: to protect as many people as she could.
Then, the shooting began.
As the terrorists opened fire inside the cabin, Neerja did not run. She sprang into action, unbolting an emergency exit and guiding passengers towards escape. Amid the chaos, she spotted three young children frozen in terror. Without hesitation, she shielded them with her own body—taking the bullets meant for them.
Neerja Bhanot died that day. But because of her selfless heroism, over 350 people survived.
For her unparalleled courage and compassion, she was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. Her story continues to inspire people around the world—a testament to the power of integrity, bravery, and humanity in the darkest of moments.
In the face of terror, Neerja Bhanot chose to act with compassion.
And in doing so, she became immortal.
