Alexey Gushchin, a skilled and ambitious military pilot, finds himself embarking on a significant mission to deliver a cargo of supplies intended for charity. However, there is an additional layer to this task; the plane is also loaded with cars meant for a general whose friend is celebrating his daughter's wedding. As the journey unfolds, Alexey realizes that navigating through a storm is proving to be a substantial challenge for the aircraft. Faced with a dire situation, he makes the tough decision to dispose of one of the cars during mid-air in order to lighten the load. Unfortunately, this act brings serious repercussions; he is barred from piloting military aircraft. Seeking redemption, he turns to his father, Igor, a renowned aircraft engineer, for guidance and support in reclaiming his spot in the skies.
In pursuit of his goal, Alexey applies to a passenger airline where he faces an examination, overseen by Leonid Zinchenko. During the simulation test, although Alexey showcases impressive flying capabilities, he ultimately fails when he can't prevent a simulated crash into a building while attempting to land. Under pressure from his superiors, Zinchenko attempts the test again but also crashes, leading him to hire Alexey as a second pilot-trainee on the Tu-204SM, alongside attendant Andrey under Zinchenko's guidance. As they navigate the complexities of their new roles, Zinchenko is grappling with personal issues stemming from his estrangement from his son, Valera, who has grown disillusioned with education. Simultaneously, Alexey embarks on a budding romance with Alexandra Kuzmina, another pilot.
Their challenges escalate when they are tasked with evacuating tourists from an African nation embroiled in turmoil. However, Alexey is taken aback when he discovers that Zinchenko has denied local refugees passage on the aircraft, asserting that they must strictly adhere to orders. Tensions rise as Alexey confronts a wealthy passenger unwilling to obey safety protocols, culminating in a confrontation that results in his dismissal from the airline. This incident strains his relationship with Alexandra, adding further complications to his life.
In an unexpectedly fortuitous turn of events, Alexey reconnects with Zinchenko, who, appreciating Alexey's talent, wants him back on his team. Zinchenko plans to involve Valera on the next flight in hopes of rekindling his interest in education as well.
The ensuing flight to Southeast Asia leads the crew to a stark reality when they receive notification of a volcanic eruption on the Aleutian Island known as Kanwoo. Upon arrival, the crew is met with devastation; many lives have been lost, and there are numerous casualties. Their mission swiftly shifts to evacuating those still trapped. As Gushchin arrives at the airport, disaster strikes—an earthquake wreaks havoc on the infrastructure, crippling one of the runways while the other is engulfed in flames.
In a desperate attempt to aid the stranded victims, Alexey, Andrey, and Valera maneuver two minibuses toward the location where passengers are stranded. However, their return journey is abruptly halted as lava flows block their route. Andrey heroically ensures all passengers escape an impending disaster, though he sacrifices his own vehicle to avoid being consumed by the fiery flow. The trio successfully returns on foot to the airport, only to discover the Tu-204 is abandoned, and Zinchenko, along with the original group of passengers, is missing.
Faced with the imminent threat of a volcanic eruption, Gushchin makes a bold decision to utilize the damaged runway covered in burning oil for takeoff. After a dramatic follow-up where a water tower extinguishes the flames, he manages to successfully take off, even as the plane struggles with engine fires caused by the volcanic ash. They establish contact with Zinchenko's aircraft, where Valera confronts his father over the unjust orders and declares, >"I will never forgive you."
As their fuel begins to dwindle due to the damaged tanks, the crew learns there is only one possible airport—Elizovo—where a brutal storm looms. Igor, having traced his son’s journey and now at the airline's headquarters, offers a crucial plan: they can transfer the passengers from the An-26 to the Tu-204 using a rescue cage, which contains more fuel. Alexey agrees, bolstered by the support of Valera and the remaining passengers.
The operation begins with the two planes aligning at a safe altitude, where successful evacuations occur. However, tragedy strikes during the third attempt when the ropes of the cage snap, leading to the untimely deaths of eleven passengers. As tensions exacerbate, Zinchenko decides to evacuate the An-26 using a cable just before it is too late. The crew, faced with dire conditions at Elizovo, chooses to land despite orders to the contrary, risking it all. Gushchin wrestles with his fear of landing a malfunctioning aircraft in the storm, but Zinchenko reminds him of his capabilities.
In a dramatic finale, their landing is precarious, with the landing gear malfunctioning and an engine separating from the wing. Yet, against all odds, everyone survives the ordeal. Zinchenko praises Alexey, and Valera finally reconciles with his father. As emergency services rush to the scene, the survivors express mixed emotions of joy and mourning for those lost.
In the aftermath, Alexey and Alexandra celebrate their marriage, and Zinchenko has mended his relationship with Valera. Despite their heroic actions, the airline's director fires them for disregarding orders, but a glimmer of hope appears as he contacts Aeroflot. Gushchin and Zinchenko are offered opportunities as flight interns, while Alexandra charts her own course as a pilot in the same respected airline.
