Aeroflot Flight 19, which was operating a domestic route within the Soviet Union, was hijacked by three armed individuals while in flight. The plane, a Tupolev Tu-154, was carrying 57 passengers and crew members from Leningrad to Moscow. The hijackers aimed to divert the plane, creating a chaotic and tense situation in the air as they threatened the crew and passengers. The diversion led the aircraft to land at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, where authorities prepared for a potential crisis scenario.

Once on the ground, special forces took positions around the aircraft to prevent the hijackers from escaping. Their demands were not clearly articulated, but a sense of urgency permeated as the situation developed on the ground. Negotiations with the hijackers began almost immediately, but they were ultimately unsuccessful in persuading them to release the passengers or surrender peacefully. The situation escalated further as the authorities made preparations for a tactical assault to end the standoff.

As the night wore on, a covert operation was planned, and soon afterwards, the authorities stormed the aircraft. This swift operation led to the rapid arrest of the hijackers, with all passengers safely freed. The incident prompted significant discussions around aviation security and the measures in place to protect flights within Soviet airspace. This event solidified the necessity for more rigorous safety protocols in the aviation industry, impacting both national and international standards moving forward.