Episode 68: Pan Am Flight 73: 40 Years Later — Courage in the Face of Terror

Send us Fan MailA Special 40th Anniversary Commemorative Episode of the Pan Am PodcastOn September 5, 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was preparing to depart Karachi, Pakistan, when four armed terrorists stormed the aircraft, beginning a harrowing 16-hour siege that would forever change the lives of the passengers and crew aboard.Forty years later, the Pan Am Museum Foundation remembers the 20 people who lost their lives and honors the extraordinary courage of the young, India-based Pan Am flight attendants who found themselves confronting an unimaginable crisis.Many members of the cabin crew had only six months of flying experience. Yet throughout the long ordeal, they drew upon their Pan Am training, professionalism and instinct to protect and care for their passengers. Among them was the flight's senior purser, Neerja Bhanot, who was killed during the attack and whose bravery became an enduring symbol of the heroism displayed by the crew aboard Flight 73.In this special commemorative episode, Pan Am Podcast host Ken Andersen speaks with three people whose lives are deeply connected to the events of that day.Madhvi Behuguna, a Pan Am flight attendant based in India and a crew member aboard Flight 73, shares her firsthand memories of the hijacking and the actions of a remarkably young crew thrust into circumstances for which no one could ever be fully prepared.Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswamy reflects on the experience from the deeply personal perspective of a family member. His father was a passenger aboard Flight 73 and was among those killed during the terrorist attack.Wendy Knecht, a former Pan Am flight attendant who was among the trainers of the India-based flight attendants, brings a particularly personal perspective to the story. Having helped train members of this young crew, she reflects on their preparation, responsibilities and the Pan Am standards instilled in them—and on the extraordinary courage they demonstrated when, with only months of flying experience, they were called upon to put that training into action under unimaginable circumstances.Their voices help us look beyond the historical record to understand the human story of Pan Am Flight 73: the fear and uncertainty of 16 hours held captive aboard an aircraft, the devastating loss of life, and the extraordinary courage of crew members who remained focused on their passengers in the face of mortal danger.On this 40th anniversary, the Pan Am Museum Foundation remembers those whose lives were lost, honors the survivors and their families, and pays tribute to the young Pan Am crew whose courage and devotion to duty remain an important part of Pan American World Airways history.We remember Pan Am Flight 73. We remember the 20 lives lost. And we honor the courage of those who faced the unimaginable on September 5, 1986.Support the showVisit Us for more Pan Am History! Support the Podcast!Donate to the Museum!Visit The Hangar online store for Pan Am gear!Become a Member! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!A very special thanks to Mr. Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC and president of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and  Pan Am Brands for their continued and unwavering support!