Airport (1970)

Airport (1970), an American air disaster-drama film written and directed by George Seato, takes place at Chicago’s fictional Lincoln International Airport. On one fateful day, the flight crew of a Trans Global Airlines (TGA) Boeing 707 make a grave error on Runway 29 and end up stuck in the snow, causing the closure of that runway. As a result, airport manager Mel Bakersfeld must put in extra hours, causing strain in his marriage to Cindy. In the midst of this chaos, he finds himself growing closer to Tanya Livingston, a co-worker who works in customer relations. Meanwhile, pilot Vernon Demerest has been tasked with evaluating Captain Anson Harris during TGA Flight 2 to Rome. The prestigious flight is being operated with TGA’s flagship international service, The Golden Argosy – another Boeing 707.

Interestingly enough, despite being married to Bakersfeld’s sister Sarah, Demerest is having an affair with chief stewardess Gwen Meighen – something she reveals before takeoff as she informs him of her pregnancy with his child. While considering the option of abortion, Gwen expresses concerns about the procedure and shares her excitement upon learning of her pregnancy. Bakersfeld enlists mechanic Joe Patroni’s help in moving TGA’s disabled plane from Runway 29. In addition, they must handle Ada Quonsett, an elderly widow from San Diego who frequently stows away on various airlines. Demolition expert D.O. Guerrero, who has a history of mental illness and is facing hard times, purchases a ticket for Flight 2 along with a large life insurance policy.