Flight attendants play a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety and comfort during air travel. While their job often involves serving refreshments and assisting with luggage, their primary responsibility is to protect the well-being of everyone on board. Throughout aviation history, numerous flight attendants have demonstrated heroic and extraordinary acts in challenging situations.
This article is also dedicated to all the courageous flight attendants who stepped up to volunteer for repatriation flights during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when vaccines were yet to be developed and the virus was at its most lethal, these selfless individuals confronted the risks head-on to ensure passengers could safely return to their home countries. Serving on the frontlines, these flight attendants faced passengers while the world battled the invisible yet deadly foe: the coronavirus.
1. Neerja Bhanot: The Fearless Protector
Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant for Pan Am, displayed incredible bravery during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1986. As armed terrorists stormed the plane, Bhanot quickly informed the cockpit crew, who escaped and prevented the aircraft from taking off. During the 17-hour ordeal, Bhanot’s courage and quick thinking saved numerous passengers’ lives. She even sacrificed her own life to shield three children from gunfire. Bhanot posthumously received several awards, including the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration for bravery.
2. Uli Derickson: The Compassionate Negotiator
In 1985, terrorists hijacked TWA Flight 847 shortly after departing Athens, Greece. Lead flight attendant Uli Derickson’s calm demeanor and language skills proved invaluable during the tense two-day standoff. Derickson courageously negotiated with the hijackers, persuading them to release some passengers and securing food and water for those remaining on board. Her compassion and bravery earned her numerous awards, including the Silver Cross for Valor.
3. Vesna Vulović: The Unbreakable Survivor
Vesna Vulović, a flight attendant for JAT Yugoslav Airlines, holds the world record for surviving the highest fall without a parachute. In 1972, a bomb explosion mid-flight over Czechoslovakia tore apart JAT Flight 367. Vulović fell 33,000 feet inside part of the plane and astonishingly survived the impact. Although she suffered severe injuries, Vulović made a near-complete recovery. Her awe-inspiring survival story showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of flight attendants in extreme circumstances.
4. Doreen Welsh: The Miracle on the Hudson
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, made an emergency landing on New York’s Hudson River after striking a flock of geese and losing engine power. As the plane rapidly filled with water, flight attendant Doreen Welsh played a critical role in the successful evacuation of all 155 passengers and crew members. Despite a leg injury, Welsh remained focused and aided passengers in exiting the sinking aircraft, ensuring everyone reached safety. Her bravery and composure during the “Miracle on the Hudson” earned her recognition as a true aviation hero.
5. The Asiana 214 Crew: Bravery Amidst Chaos
On July 6, 2013, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crash-landed at San Francisco International Airport, creating a dangerous and life-threatening situation. The flight attendants, led by cabin manager Lee Yoon-Hye, sprang into action to evacuate passengers from the burning aircraft. In a remarkable display of heroism, Lee Yoon-Hye carried injured passengers on her back, bringing them to safety outside the plane and then returning to the burning wreckage to evacuate more people. Despite the intensity of the situation and personal injuries, the crew’s professionalism and determination saved numerous lives, exemplifying the heroism of flight attendants worldwide.
6. Barbara Jane Harrison: Courage in the Face of Fire
Barbara Jane Harrison was working on BOAC Flight 712 out of London Heathrow in 1968 when an engine caught fire and fell from its position. After the aircraft made an emergency landing, Harrison, stationed in the rear, opened an exit and inflated a slide with the help of another flight attendant. When the slide twisted, she urged passengers to jump to safety amidst the flames. As the fire grew closer, Harrison redirected passengers and refused to leave the aircraft while passengers remained onboard. Tragically, she died in the fire while attempting to rescue a disabled passenger. Harrison posthumously received the George Cross for her bravery and determination.
7. Nigel Ogden: A Lifesaving Grip
In 1990, Nigel Ogden was working on British Airways Flight 5390 from Birmingham to Malaga when the left cockpit windshield blew out, forcing the captain partially out of the window. Ogden courageously held onto the captain’s legs as the first officer safely landed the aircraft. All crew members were awarded the Queen’s Commendation for “valuable service in the air” for their actions during this harrowing incident.
8. Carolina Sanitzo Arriola and Nicole Foren: Calm Under Pressure
In 2009, Carolina Sanitzo Arriola and Nicole Foren were onboard Canjet Flight 918 at Montego Bay in Jamaica when an armed hijacker stormed the aircraft. Carolina negotiated the release of passengers in exchange for their cash and belongings, while the crew remained onboard as hostages. She humanized the situation by discussing her family and asking about the hijacker’s. When the hijacker became distracted, Nicole seized his gun, allowing the anti-terrorism squad to storm the aircraft. The crew received medals of bravery for their courageous actions.
9. Greg Khan and Denise Hickson: A United Front
In 2003, Greg Khan and Denise Hickson were working on Qantas Flight 1737 from Melbourne when a passenger tried to enter the cockpit. Denise attempted to block the assailant, who stabbed her in the head. Greg intervened to restrain the man, who stabbed him repeatedly in the head as well. With the help of passengers, Greg managed to subdue the attacker. Both flight attendants returned to work about a month after the incident, showcasing their resilience.
10. Carole Miller: A Mid-Air Miracle
Carole Miller, a flight attendant for First Choice Airways, assisted a pregnant woman giving birth prematurely during a flight. To keep the baby alive, Miller delivered rescue breaths through a drinking straw and massaged its chest until landing. Her quick thinking and resourcefulness undoubtedly saved the infant’s life.
Countless stories showcase heroic flight attendants going above and beyond their duties to help and save passengers, with far too many to enumerate. These inspiring tales include a Philippine Airlines flight attendant who breastfed an infant (of a passenger) in need of assistance, a team of Cebu Pacific flight attendants who resuscitated a passenger suffering from a heart attack with the aid of onboard doctors, and numerous other acts of heroism.
These inspiring stories of flight attendant heroism remind us that beyond their friendly service, these professionals are highly trained and prepared to face adversity. Their bravery, selflessness, and determination have saved countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on those they’ve encountered.
Honoring Their Legacy
As we celebrate the incredible acts of bravery demonstrated by these heroic flight attendants, it’s essential to recognize the lasting impact their actions have had on the aviation industry and the passengers whose lives they’ve touched. Their unwavering commitment to safety and selflessness in the face of danger serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role flight attendants play in our travel experiences.
As passengers, we can honor their legacy by showing our appreciation and gratitude to flight attendants, who work tirelessly to ensure our comfort and safety. Next time you fly, take a moment to thank your flight attendant for their service and remember the extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond in their line of duty.
Inspiration for Future Flight Attendants
The stories of these heroic flight attendants serve not only to honor their courage but also as an inspiration for those considering a career in the aviation industry. As future flight attendants learn about these acts of heroism, they can draw motivation and strength from their predecessors’ dedication and bravery.
For those who aspire to join the ranks of flight attendants, these stories serve as a testament to the tremendous responsibility and potential impact they can have on passengers’ lives. By embodying the same selflessness, courage, and dedication as these remarkable individuals, future flight attendants can continue the legacy of heroism in the skies.
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First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
