The plot centres on the Libyan-backed Abu Nidal Organization 's hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi , Pakistan , on 5 September 1986 . The film is shown from the point of view of the flight 's head purser , Neerja Bhanot , who thwarted the hijack attempt by alerting the pilots , thus grounding the plane ; Bhanot died trying to help save 359 of the 379 passengers and crew on board
Pan Am Flight 73
Pan Am Flight 73
Neerja