Airport

A sudden and intense blizzard descends upon Lincoln International Airport in Chicago, causing widespread turmoil. The snowstorm begins to affect operations, setting off a chain of challenges that the airport staff must navigate throughout the night.

Mel Bakersfeld, the airport general manager, is revealed to be deeply committed to his job, which significantly impacts his personal life. His dedication creates tension in his marriage as his wife, Cindy, feels neglected and overshadowed by his priorities.

Cindy Bakersfeld expresses her growing resentment toward Mel's priorities, feeling that he uses work as an excuse to avoid their social engagements. This strain highlights the personal sacrifices Mel makes for his career, which Cindy perceives as a failure in their marriage.

Amid the growing tensions in his marriage, Mel seeks solace in Tanya Livingston, a charming passenger relations manager for Trans America Airlines. This connection complicates Mel's already strained home life and offers a glimpse into potential emotional escape.

A critical complication arises when an aircraft misjudges its turn and becomes stuck in the snow on primary runway 29. This blockage prevents further landing operations and escalates the urgency for Mel and his team to find a solution.

Mel turns to Joe Patroni, the head of maintenance for Trans World Airlines, to help with the blocked runway. Patroni faces the challenging task of coordinating his team while persuading hesitant pilots to assist in the operation, highlighting the tension between safety and urgency.

Mel's personal life becomes more complicated as his brother-in-law, Vern Demerest, is revealed to be involved in an affair with chief stewardess Gwen Meighen. This revelation adds another layer of family tension, especially as Vern is a senior pilot during this crisis.

As the blizzard worsens, some flights are redirected to the shorter runway 22, leading to protests from local residents frustrated by the noise and disruption. Mel faces mounting pressure to cease operations but maintains his commitment to keeping the airport open.

A humorous twist occurs when elderly stowaway Mrs. Ada Quonsett is arrested for sneaking onto flights. Her presence amidst the crisis lightens the mood while the serious issues at the airport remain unresolved.

D.O. Guerrero, a distraught contractor, boards a plane with a plan to detonate it mid-flight, intending to end his life while securing his wife's life insurance. His tragic decision poses a dire threat to all passengers on board, heightening the film's tension.

As the passengers learn of Guerrero's intentions, chaos erupts on board the aircraft. This unexpected twist creates a race against time for Mel and the airport staff, who must respond to the unfolding crisis while managing the blizzard's chaos.

The pilots, led by Vern, discover that runway 22 is unsuitable for safely landing a damaged aircraft. With the storm intensifying and time running out, the pressure mounts on Mel and Patroni to clear runway 29 for emergency landings.

As runway 29 is cleared, the pilots initiate a high-stakes landing. Every moment counts as Mel and his team coordinate efforts to ensure the safety of the aircraft in a tense atmosphere dominated by the storm's fury.

The film closes with a sense of resolution as Mel and Tanya explore new beginnings, hinting at a shift in Mel's personal priorities. Meanwhile, Inez confronts the emotional fallout from the dramatic events at Lincoln International, reflecting on the night’s turmoil.