Who were the real hijackers of United 93? All to know about the identities and events behind the infamous flight

The tragedy of United 93 on September 11, 2001, is one of the most profound losses in American history. The flight, from Newark to San Francisco, was hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists along with three other flights that day.

Four terrorists onboard the flight planned to crash the plane into a high-profile target. Their names were Ziad Jarrah, Ahmed al-Haznawi, Ahmed al-Nami, and Saeed al-Ghamdi. They were likely aiming for the U.S. Capitol or the White House, but they were not able to execute their plan, because of the brave passengers and crew of Flight 93.

British filmmaker Paul Greengrass has dramatized the story of United Airlines Flight 93 in his 2006 film named United 93. The film is acclaimed for its realistic approach in bringing the passengers' narrative to light, with its documentary-style filming and interviews with the families of those on board.

The crew's bravery was critical in preventing the attack (Image via Apple TV+)

The cast also included several real-life people who were a part of the original flight. The movie reflects extensive research in showcasing the courage and self-sacrifice of those on board United 93.

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Who hijacked the United 93 flight?

The real hijackers of Flight 93 were four terrorists who were a part of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda. They were one faction of a larger group of 19 terrorists led by Osama bin Laden.

Ziad Jarrah

Jarrah was the pilot and designated leader of the four terrorists on board United 93. Jarrah was a Lebanese national who had taken flight training in the United States. If the group had been successful in taking control of the cockpit and the plane, Jarrah was the one supposed to fly the plane into the target.

New York City Marks 23rd Anniversary Of September 11, 2001 Attacks (Image via Getty)

Ahmed al-Nami, Saeed al-Ghamdi, Ahmed al-Haznawi

Ahmed al-Nami, Saeed al-Ghamdi, and Ahmed al-Haznawi were Saudi nationals who were responsible for controlling the passengers of United 93. Being the muscle hijackers, their job was to prevent any resistance from the passengers and the crew. They were tasked with keeping passengers at bay while securing the cockpit.

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The Story of Courage: United 93 passengers

Around 46 minutes after the flight's departure, the terrorists broke into the cockpit and took control of the plane turning it towards Washington D.C. They then forced the passengers and the crew to move towards the back of the plane, where the passengers found the Airfone and started contacting their families.

Upon learning about the other attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon through phone calls, passengers and crew on board pieced together the hijackers' larger plan. They decided to fight back and regain control of the cockpit.

Events Of September 11 Commemorated In Shanksville, PA (Image via Getty)

In the following struggle between the terrorists and passengers, the plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The bravery of those on board averted an attack on the intended target, but it tragically cost all of them their lives.

The passengers and crew of Flight 93 became a symbol of resilience in the face of terror. As a reminder of their strength and bravery, the Flight 93 National Memorial was constructed in Pennsylvania. It is a tribute to the 40 passengers and crew members who lost their lives.

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Viewers can catch United 93 on Prime Video, Peacock, and Apple TV+.