 before joining Pan American World Airways as a flight attendant in 1985. Trained in Miami after her selection, Neerja's bravery shone through her actions on that fateful day. Despite having an opportunity to escape the hijacked aircraft, Neerja chose to stay back and protect the lives of the hundreds of passengers on board. She even shielded three children from the hail of bullets fired by the terrorists, ultimately giving her life to ensure their safety. She died just two days before her 23rd birthday. In Mumbai, a bustling square has been named in her honour — the 'Neerja Bhanot Chowk.' The Indian Postal Service also paid tribute to her courage by releasing a commemorative stamp in 2004. During the hijacking, the p){kind=link}
Pan-Am air stewardess Neerja Bhanot is remembered for her courageous actions during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986, where she saved lives by hiding American passports, shielding children, and sacrificing her life
A Pan-Am air stewardess saved hundreds of Americans from hijackers by hiding their passports before being shot dead as she shielded three children.
Neerja Bhanot was posthumously honoured with India’s highest peacetime award for bravery, the Ashok Chakra, for her selfless act of courage.
The incident unfolded on September 5, 1986, during a stopover in Karachi, Pakistan, when Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked by terrorists as it prepared for take off. It was taken over by Palestinian militants resulting in the deaths of 22 people with about 150 injured.
Four gunmen had sped on to the tarmac in a van disguised as airport security. The men entered the Boeing 747, firing shots into the air.