The real Uli Derickson acted as consultant for this film.
The film takes place from June 14 to June 16, 1985.
In the original English version, Castro speaks limited English and Uli translates his orders from German to English and vice versa. This is the same in most dubbed versions (i.e. Uli translates from German to the viewer's language). However, in the European Spanish version, Castro speaks perfect Spanish and no German, and instead of translating his orders (which are already in Spanish), Uli merely repeats them in her own words or adds commentary.
The real names of the TWA 847 hijackers were never used in the film. Lead hijacker Castro is based on Mohammed Ali Hammadi, the real-life lead hijacker on Flight 847.
Also known as "The Flight". This title is used for the film's home video releases, including the DVD and Blu-Ray reissue.