The hijacking of a commercial airliner on June 14, 1985, marked one of the most dramatic and harrowing episodes in aviation history. On that day, Trans World Airlines Flight 847 was seized by armed militants shortly after departing Athens, Greece. The aircraft’s journey turned into a 17-day ordeal that captivated global attention, involved brutal violence, intense negotiations, and left a lasting mark on anti-terrorism efforts. This event remains a powerful reminder of the dangers of aviation terrorism and the complexities of responding to hostage crises.
Flight Details and Sequence of Events
Takeoff and Initial Hijacking
TWA Flight 847 was a Boeing 727 traveling from Athens to Rome, carrying 147 passengers and 8 crew members on a long-haul route back to San Diego, with stops in Rome, Boston, and Los Angeles.
Diversions Across the Mediterranean
The hijackers forced the pilot to land repeatedly in Beirut and Algiers. Their primary demand was the release of hundreds of Shiite Muslim prisoners held by Israel. During these stops, hostages were released in stages in exchange for fuel and supplies, but the situation remained volatile with hostages beaten and threatened.
Hostage Treatment and Escalation
Selective Violence and Kidnapping
During the first Beirut stop, U.S. Navy diver Robert Stethem was pulled aside, beaten, shot, and his body dumped on the tarmac a chilling message of the hijackers’ ruthlessness.
Passenger Experience
While 19 passengers were released in Beirut and another 20 in Algiers, around 39 individuals remained hostage for the full duration. Among them were Jews, crew members, and less fortunate individuals who bore the brunt of the hijackers’ demands.
Negotiations and International Reaction
U.S. and Algerian Involvement
The United States engaged diplomatically, coordinating with Algerian authorities to facilitate the release of hostages during the plane’s stopovers. U.S. officials advised against any military intervention, fearing loss of life.
Media Impact
This incident unfolded in real-time on live news channels, notably CNN, whose unprecedented coverage shaped global public perception and influenced crisis management strategies.
Resolution and Aftermath
Hostage Release and Concessions
After 17 days, the remaining hostages were released in Beirut. Their freedom coincided with reports that Israel had released about 700 Shiite prisoners, though both nations denied any direct linkage to the hijacking.
Legal and Security Responses
- Arrest of Hijackers: Mohammed Ali Hammadi was captured in Frankfurt in 1987, then tried and convicted under German law. He was released in 2005.
- Others at Large: Co-conspirators Hassan IzzalDin and Ali Atwa remained fugitives, still wanted by the FBI.
- Military Diver Robert Stethem: Honored posthumously, including having a U.S. Navy destroyer named after him.
Legacy and Lessons Learned
Changes in Airport Security
The TWA 847 hijacking prompted major revisions in airline and airport security, including stricter passenger screening, reinforced cockpit doors, and international protocols for dealing with hijackings.
Counterterrorism Frameworks
The crisis underscored the need for coordinated international responses to terrorism, shaping future counterterror policies within the U.S. State Department, FBI, and other agencies.
Cultural and Historical Memory
The image of Flight 847 remains etched in public memory as a symbol of Cold Warera terrorism. It illustrated the emotional power of live coverage and influenced how journalists approach crisis reporting.
The June 14, 1985, hijacking of TWA Flight 847 stands as a poignant example of the complexities of modern hijacking crises. With hijackers executing hostages, manipulating global opinion, and demanding political concessions, the ordeal tested the limits of diplomacy, negotiation, and crisis management. The incident’s lasting impact was evident in the evolution of aviation security, counterterrorism strategies, and international protocols for handling such threats. Nearly four decades later, the lessons from Flight 847 continue to inform how authorities worldwide protect civilian air travel and respond to threats against innocent lives.