Neerja Bhanot

Neerja Bhanot was an Indian flight attendant who died during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi on 5 September 1986.

Neerja Bhanot was an Indian flight attendant who died during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi on 5 September 1986. She is remembered for helping passengers escape and for hiding passports to protect people targeted by the hijackers. She was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, becoming its first female recipient and, until 2003, its youngest recipient.

Early life

Neerja Bhanot was born in Chandigarh on 7 September 1963. Available sources identify her as an Indian national who later worked for Pan American World Airways.

Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking

On 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked in Karachi by members of the Abu Nidal Organization. During the 17-hour crisis, Bhanot helped open emergency exits, aided passengers in escaping, and concealed passports.

Death and recognition

Bhanot was killed during the hijacking while protecting passengers, including children. She was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, becoming the first woman to receive it and, until 2003, its youngest recipient.

Legacy

Bhanot is widely remembered in India and abroad as a symbol of courage and civilian bravery. Her story has been retold in books, journalism, and film.