Arthur Hailey

"Airport. Summary"

Chapter 1: The Routine Begins

At Lincoln International Airport, a major airport in the Midwest. Mel Bakersfeld, the airport's general manager, faces the usual challenges of running a bustling airport. He juggles various issues, from aircraft maintenance to labor disputes. Meanwhile, Tanya Livingston, a stewardess, prepares for her flight.

Chapter 2: The Snowstorm

A severe snowstorm hits the airport, causing chaos and delays. The airport staff works tirelessly to keep the runways clear, and passengers experience frustration and anxiety as their travel plans are disrupted. Tensions rise as the storm intensifies.

Chapter 3: The D.O. Guerrero

D.O. Guerrero, a passenger from South America, arrives at the airport with a mysterious package. Customs officers become suspicious of his behavior, leading to a tense encounter. Guerrero's motives and the contents of his package remain unknown.

Chapter 4: The Marriage Troubles

Mel Bakersfeld's marriage to Cindy is strained due to his demanding job. Cindy contemplates leaving him, feeling neglected and unappreciated. Meanwhile, Vern and Gwen, members of the airport staff, discuss their own marital problems.

Chapter 5: The Passenger's Distress

Tanya Livingston encounters a troubled passenger named Mrs. Quonsett, who is traveling with her two children. Mrs. Quonsett appears anxious and cryptic about her plans. Tanya becomes concerned about her passenger's well-being.

Chapter 6: The Stewardess's Crisis

Tanya Livingston faces a crisis during her flight when a passenger, Miss Wagner, has a heart attack. Tanya, along with a doctor on board, tries to save her life. The emergency brings tension and uncertainty to the flight.

Chapter 7: The Problems Compound

The snowstorm continues to wreak havoc on airport operations. Mel Bakersfeld deals with a series of challenges, including grounded flights, aircraft accidents, and a lack of critical equipment. His stress and exhaustion grow as the situation worsens.

Chapter 8: The Guerrero Package

D.O. Guerrero's package is revealed to contain dynamite. The authorities become alarmed, fearing a potential terrorist attack. An intense search for Guerrero ensues, as investigators attempt to determine his intentions.

Chapter 9: A Troubled Marriage

Vern and Gwen share their marital issues and contemplate divorce. Their personal lives become increasingly complicated, adding to the stress and tension of the ongoing airport crisis.

Chapter 10: An Injured Pilot

An airplane experiences difficulties during takeoff due to the snowy conditions, leading to a crash landing. The pilot, Joe Patroni, is injured, and Mel Bakersfeld takes charge of the emergency response. The

accident further strains the airport's resources.

Chapter 11: The Guerrero Standoff

D.O. Guerrero is located, and a tense standoff takes place at theairport. He demands a plane to escape the country, threatening to detonate the dynamite if his request is not met. Authorities and airport personnel grapple with the high-stakes situation, trying to prevent a catastrophe.

Chapter 12: The Guerrero Resolution

The tense standoff with D.O. Guerrero continues. A negotiation team, led by Mel Bakersfeld and airport security, works to find a peaceful resolution to the situation. They promise to meet some of Guerrero's demands, which leads to him releasing the hostages he had taken.

Chapter 13: A New Emergency

As the situation with Guerrero is defused, a new emergency arises. A passenger plane, the Golden Argosy, experiences a mechanical failure while landing, and its landing gear collapses. Mel Bakersfeld coordinates the emergency response, leading to a dramatic rescue of passengers and crew.

Chapter 14: The Heroics of Joe Patroni

Joe Patroni, the injured pilot from an earlier incident, returns to work and is involved in the rescue effort for the Golden Argosy. His expertise and quick thinking play a critical role in averting a disaster, earning him respect and admiration.

Chapter 15: Tanya's Turbulent Flight

Tanya Livingston faces another crisis when her flight encounters turbulence and engine trouble. She handles the situation with courage

and skill, earning the respect of both passengers and crew. However, her personal life remains in turmoil.

Chapter 16: A Difficult Decision

Vern and Gwen's marital struggles reach a breaking point, leading to Gwen's decision to leave him. Their emotional turmoil reflects the challenges faced by the characters in their personal lives.

Chapter 17: The Airport's Recovery

The airport slowly recovers from the chaos caused by the snowstorm and the various crises. Mel Bakersfeld reflects on the events that have unfolded and the resilience of the airport staff. The airport begins to return to normal operations.

Chapter 18: An Unexpected Visitor

Tanya Livingston receives an unexpected visitor at her apartment. Captain Demerest, a colleague, shows up to discuss his complicated personal life and the challenges they face as airline employees. Their discussion leads to a deeper connection between them.

Chapter 19: The Complex Romance of Guerrero

The authorities learn more about D.O. Guerrero's background and the complex reasons behind his desperate actions. The situation becomes more nuanced as they uncover the layers of his personal life and motivations.

Chapter 20: A Promising Development

Mel Bakersfeld receives promising news about the airport's future. A proposal for a new terminal, named after his late brother George, is approved. This development offers hope for the airport's growth

andimprovement.

Chapter 21: Vern's Reckoning

Vern's reckoning with his personal life continues. He reflects on his failed marriage and the reasons behind it. Despite the emotional turmoil, he takes steps to move forward and find a new sense of purpose.

Chapter 22: Gwen's Decision

Gwen, Vern's ex-wife, makes a decision to pursue a relationship with another man, which marks a new chapter in her life. She experiences a mix of emotions and hopes for a better future.

Chapter 23: The Airport's Progress

The airport's ongoing progress and development. The new George Washington Terminal project begins, signaling a positive direction for Lincoln International Airport. The characters continue to face personal and professional challenges, but there is a sense of hope and renewal as the airport moves forward.

Chapter 24: A Family Reunion

As the George Washington Terminal project at Lincoln International Airport progresses, Mel Bakersfeld's wife, Cindy, returns to him. Their reunion marks a turning point in their strained marriage, bringing hope for reconciliation and a fresh start.

Chapter 25: A Challenging Proposal

A proposal is presented to the airport commission to make a film about the airport, showcasing its operations and challenges. The proposal faces scrutiny and discussion among the airport's leaders, with some reservations about its feasibility.

Chapter 26: Tanya's Dilemma

Tanya Livingston faces a dilemma when she discovers she is pregnant. She must grapple with the implications of her pregnancy and make decisions about her future. Her emotions are in turmoil as she navigates this challenging situation.

Chapter 27: The Airport's Triumph

The film project about the airport is approved, and preparations begin. The project showcases the airport's operations, challenges, and the dedication of its staff. The film provides a platform to celebrate the airport's triumphs and the people who make it all possible.

Chapter 28: A Hero's Return

Joe Patroni returns to the airport after a successful assignment elsewhere. His return is celebrated, and he is hailed as a hero for his expertise and bravery in the face of aviation emergencies. His leadership and skill are a source of inspiration for the airport staff.

Chapter 29: A Surprising Arrival

A surprise arrival at the airport brings unexpected joy to several characters. It marks a heartwarming moment as they come to realize the importance of family, love, and the support of those around them.

Chapter 30: An Unexpected Threat

A series of threats and sabotage attempts begin at Lincoln International Airport. An unknown individual or group is trying to disrupt airport operations, creating a sense of danger andtension among the airport staff.

Chapter 31: The Investigation Begins

The airport authorities launch an investigation into the threats and sabotage incidents. Security measures are heightened, and Mel Bakersfeld, along with his team, seeks to uncover the identity and motives of the perpetrators.

Chapter 32: A New Lead

A lead in the investigation points to potential suspects who may be involved in the threats and sabotage. The authorities work to gather more information and evidence to bring those responsible to justice.

Chapter 33: A Race Against Time

The threats escalate, and the airport staff must work together to prevent a disaster. The tension mounts as they race against time to locate the saboteurs and thwart their plans.

Chapter 34: A Heroic Effort

The airport staff, including Joe Patroni and Mel Bakersfeld, engage in a heroic effort to prevent a catastrophe. They work tirelessly to stop the saboteurs and ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft.

Chapter 35: The Resolution

The authorities, with the help of the airport staff, successfully identify and apprehend those responsible for the threats and sabotage. The danger is averted, and the airport can return to normal operations, with a renewed commitment to security and safety.

Chapter 36: The Aftermath

After the resolution of the threat and sabotage, the airport staff reflects on the recent events. The importance of security and the dedication of the airport's employees are emphasized. Mel Bakersfeld and his team continue to work on improving airport operations.

Chapter 37: Tanya's Decision

Tanya Livingston faces the challenge of deciding whether to continue her career as a stewardess or leave to raise her child. She grapples with her feelings and considers the impact of her choice on her personal and professional life.

Chapter 38: A Promising Future

The airport's new George Washington Terminal is completed, marking a significant milestone in its development. The terminal represents progress, and its opening is celebrated by the airport staff and leaders.

Chapter 39: Joe Patroni's Retirement

Joe Patroni, a celebrated figure at the airport, decides to retire. His departure is met with mixed emotions as the staff acknowledges his contributions and the void his absence will leave.

Chapter 40: A Final Farewell

The airport staff gathers to say their final farewells to Joe Patroni, celebrating his illustrious career. His legacy and the impact he had on the airport are recognized and appreciated by all.

Chapter 41: The Future of the Airport

The airport looks toward the future with optimism. The challenges it faces are met with a spirit of determination andresilience. The airport remains a symbol of progress and an essential part of the community.

Chapter 42: A New Beginning

The airport represents not only the progress of the aviation industry but also the personal growth and resilience of the people who make it thrive.