Lufthansa Flight 181 was a scheduled passenger flight operating between Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Frankfurt, Germany, that was hijacked on October 13, 1977. The hijacking was carried out by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - External Operations (PFLP-EO) who demanded the release of imprisoned comrades in Germany. The aircraft, with 86 people on board, was diverted after the hijackers forced the pilots to alter course. After flying for several days to various locations, including multiple stops in Dubai and Aden, the plane eventually landed in Mogadishu, Somalia.

As the situation unfolded, the German government faced significant pressure to secure the release of the passengers. Negotiations took place, but they were complicated by the involvement of multiple parties and the specific demands of the hijackers. On October 17, in a daring rescue operation dubbed 'Operation Ferrari', German forces stormed the aircraft at Mogadishu Airport. The operation was executed with precision, resulting in the rescue of all remaining hostages and the detainment of the hijackers. This bold move was crucial in highlighting the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations.

The event garnered significant media attention and was pivotal in shaping Germany's approach to terrorism and hijacking. Following the successful rescue, the incident led to discussions about international terrorism, airline security, and the government's responsibility in hostage situations. The outcome changed the public perception of airline safety and highlighted the need for improved protocols and cooperation among international law enforcement agencies.