In Brussels, just before midnight, passengers are boarding flight 21 to Moscow when Terenzio Gallo, an Italian man in a frantic rush to escape, orders a drink while anxiously watching the news. The broadcast shows shocking footage of people collapsing on the streets, including the news anchor. Aware of a looming danger, Terenzio attacks a security guard to seize his gun and forces his way onto flight 21, which has very few passengers and no pilot. He instructs co-pilot Matthew to fly west immediately to escape the mysterious threat, but during a struggle, the gun accidentally discharges, injuring Matthew's left hand.