Air Force One is high-jacked by a group of Russian terrorists lead by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman). They enter the plane disguised as reporters. Upon taking over the airplane, the terrorists demand the release of their leader from a Russian prison in exchange for the lives of the people on board, including the President's family. Unknown to the terrorists, President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) secretly remains on the airplane instead of escaping in his special presidential escape pod, and proceeds to stall their plans as best he can, including draining the airplain's fuel tanks. His ex-military training helps him gain the upper hand, and he manages to defeat the terrorists and free the hostages.