Zahra Gahfoor is the dogged counter-terrorism officer working the Hijack crisis from the ground — the one investigator who pieces together, far ahead of her superiors, that Flight 29 is in real danger. Sharp, stubborn, and willing to defy protocol to save lives, Zahra becomes the audience's lifeline to everything happening outside the plane.
Her arc is a race against bureaucracy and time. As she battles skeptical colleagues and a tangled conspiracy on the ground, Zahra's personal stakes deepen, and her relentless competence mirrors Sam's improvisation in the air. The series cuts between her investigation and the cabin to ratchet the tension ever tighter.
Archie Panjabi brings steely intelligence and urgency to the role, grounding the thriller's ground-side half.
Key Episodes
S1 E1
1 PM – 2 PM
Zahra begins to suspect something is badly wrong with Flight 29.
S1 E7
7 PM – 8 PM
Zahra's ground investigation converges with the crisis in the air.
Zahra Gahfoor is one of the central figures in Hijack, a thriller/drama series that aired on Apple TV+ from 2023-present. Within the narrative of Hijack, Zahra Gahfoor serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Season 1. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Archie Panjabi, Zahra Gahfoor has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Archie Panjabi's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Archie Panjabi's work has been recognized with 1 major award, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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Archie Panjabi plays Zahra Gahfoor, the counter-terrorism officer investigating the hijacking from the ground.
Panjabi won an Emmy for playing Kalinda Sharma on The Good Wife.
