Viktor Navorski, portrayed by Tom Hanks, makes his way to JFK International Airport, only to discover that he is prohibited from entering the United States. While en route, a revolution breaks out in his homeland, Krakozhia, leading the U.S. to no longer recognize it as a sovereign state. As a result, Viktor is left stranded in the terminal, unable to return home or cross into the U.S., carrying with him a mysterious can of Planters peanuts.
Frank Dixon, the Head of Customs and Border Protection played by Stanley Tucci, is eager to have Viktor removed from the airport. With limited means to support himself, Viktor collects abandoned baggage trolleys for a small reward until Dixon puts a stop to that. During this time, he befriends Enrique, a catering car driver, portrayed by Diego Luna, who shares his infatuation with a female Customs officer, leading to a unique friendship where Viktor's insights help Enrique win over the woman, named Dolores.
As Viktor navigates his new life at the airport, he meets the charming flight attendant Amelia Warren, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. She extends an invitation for dinner, but Viktor is determined to earn money first to take her out properly. Eventually, he secures an unregistered job as a construction worker at the airport, earning $19 an hour.
Viktor finds himself in a moral quandary when asked to interpret for a man who needs to sneak in undocumented medication for his seriously ill father. By cleverly claiming it is "medicine for goat," he avoids disaster and gains the admiration of airport staff, while causing friction with Dixon, who is intent on ousting Viktor from the terminal to secure his promotion.
As time passes and the war in Krakozhia subsides, the struggle for Viktor continues. Dixon's refusal to grant him entry persists, despite Amelia's attempts to navigate governmental red tape on his behalf. She discloses that she has been involved with a married official who has been assisting them, leaving Viktor disheartened when he learns of her rekindled relationship.
Things take a dramatic turn when Dixon blackmails Viktor, threatening the futures of his friends if Viktor does not comply and go back to Krakozhia. As Gupta, an airport janitor, fervently urges Viktor to stay, the situation leads to a tense moment where Viktor almost boards the flight destined for home.
In a twist of fate, Viktor seizes the moment to venture into the city, fulfilling his lifelong dream of acquiring the autograph of legendary tenor saxophonist Benny Golson. With heartfelt goodbyes from airport staff wishing him well in completing his quest, Viktor finally leaves the terminal with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Assistant Port Director's uniform in hand.
As he prepares to head to a nearby Ramada Inn for the jazz performance, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Amelia, who offers him a bittersweet smile. Engaging in a brief, meaningful exchange with a cab driver who shares his own immigrant story, Viktor reflects on his journey. Upon attending the show and receiving the long-sought autograph, Viktor completes his father's collection of jazz legends. With a sense of achievement, he leaves the venue, and with renewed hope, tells the driver, "I am going home."
