Bollywood films that take flight: Stories of plane crashes, airborne heroes, and aviation dramas

Airlift chronicles the largest civilian evacuation in history during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Though not about a plane crash, the film places aviation at its heart, showcasing the high-stakes mission to airlift over 170,000 stranded Indians to safety. The film, starring Akshay Kumar, powerfully depicts the resilience of the human spirit and the logistical might of an unprecedented rescue operation.

Neerja brings to life the courageous story of Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant who became a national hero during the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73. While the film doesn’t center on a plane crash, it captures the intense fear, chaos, and bravery associated with airborne crises. Sonam Kapoor’s portrayal of Neerja beautifully highlights her selfless act that saved hundreds of lives.

Though Rang De Basanti isn’t a plane crash film at its core, it features a pivotal aviation tragedy that sets the entire story in motion. Flight Lieutenant Ajay Singh Rathod’s death in a MiG-21 crash—caused by faulty equipment—becomes the emotional trigger that drives his friends to confront corruption and question the system. The crash becomes a powerful symbol of systemic failure and youthful rebellion.

Directed by and starring Ajay Devgn, Runway 34 is a gripping aviation thriller inspired by a real-life incident involving a Jet Airways flight from Doha to Kochi. The story revolves around a pilot who makes a daring decision to land a plane in dangerously poor visibility, putting hundreds of lives—and his career—on the line. The film dives deep into the high-pressure world of cockpit decisions and the aftermath that follows.

Directed by Naseeruddin Shah, Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota is a multi-narrative drama that unravels the ripple effects of a plane crash on the lives of unrelated people. The film paints a moving picture of fate, chance, and human vulnerability, as the characters grapple with grief, loss, and the unpredictable turns life can take in the shadow of tragedy.