In the 1970’s, Germany was in the grip of a terrorist nightmare, led by a far left militant group known as the Red Army Faction or the Baader-Meinhof Gang.  Their most audacious act was, with the aid of Palestinian terrorists, to hijack a Lufthansa Boeing 737 named Landshut.  For the passengers and crew this was the start of a 5 day nightmare during which they were subjected to awful treatment and murder.  This is the story of flight 181.

Hanns-Martin Schleyer in captivity following his abduction.

Landshut during the hijacking.

The route Landshut was forced to take.

 The hostages and GSG9 team arrive safely back in Germany.

Images under Creative Commons licence with thanks to Ken Fielding, Devilm25 and the Bundesarchiv.