Honoring the Bravery of Neerja Bhanot on International Flight Day
International Flight Attendant Day is celebrated every year on May 31 to honor the hardworking and dedicated individuals who ensure the safety and comfort of passengers on flights around the world. It is a day to recognize the important role that flight attendants play in the aviation industry and to appreciate their efforts in providing excellent customer service. On this day, SheSight pays tribute to Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant who made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of her passengers during a hijacking in 1986. Her bravery and selflessness serve as shining examples of the courage and dedication exhibited by flight attendants every day.
Neerja Bhanot was a courageous flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers on board Pan Am Flight 73 during a terrorist hijack in 1986. Her bravery and selflessness have made her a symbol of courage and inspiration for many.
Born in Chandigarh, India in 1963, Neerja was the daughter of a journalist and a social worker. She was a model and a freelance writer before joining Pan Am in 1985. Just a year later, on September 5, 1986, she was on a flight from Mumbai to New York via Karachi when the plane was hijacked by terrorists.
The hijackers were members of the Abu Nidal Organization, a Palestinian terrorist group. They demanded the release of their imprisoned comrades in Cyprus and the United States. The passengers and crew were held hostage for over 17 hours. During this time, Neerja Bhanot, who was the head purser on the flight, demonstrated remarkable courage and presence of mind.
She alerted the cockpit crew about the hijacking and helped them to escape through a cockpit window. She then helped to hide the passports of the passengers so that the hijackers could not identify their nationalities. When the hijackers demanded that the American passengers be separated from the others, she instructed the other flight attendants to collect the passports of all passengers and keep them hidden.
The hijackers eventually became impatient and started shooting the passengers. Neerja Bhanot, who was shot while shielding three children from the bullets, died a hero’s death. She was just 23 years old at the time of her death.
Neerja Bhanot’s bravery saved the lives of many passengers on the flight. She was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest civilian award for bravery. She was also awarded the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism Award, the Tamgha-e-Insaaniyat (Medal of Humanity) by Pakistan, and the United States Special Courage Award.
Neerja Bhanot’s story has been the subject of several films, including the 2016 Bollywood film “Neerja,” which starred Sonam Kapoor in the lead role. The film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success.
Neerja Bhanot’s legacy lives on as an inspiration to people all over the world. Her bravery and selflessness in the face of danger continue to inspire generations to come. On International Flight Day, celebrated on May 31, we remember Neerja Bhanot and all those who have sacrificed their lives for the safety of others on flights around the world.
–Staff Reporter
