How come in Die Hard 2...

[rcrush]

Since the planes couldnt land at the airport that the terrorists took over why didnt they just go land at a nearby airport?

[charlie and algernon]

1. the terrorists were still watching on the the control screens?

i don't know. Probably a combination of keeping the crisis a secret and being afraid that the terrorists would pretend to be air traffic controllers again and crash more planes.

[taterguy]

2. Takes place in DC. There's only one airport in that area

[dysfunctional press]

6. bwi-dca-iad...take your pick.

or divert them to richmond or philadelphia.

[mainegreen]

7. I think your delivery there is drier even than the Sahara.

Well played.

[petronius]

3. Because the producers of the movie didn't have the slightest inkling of

how air travel works, and had no inclination to find out? Pesky little facts should never be allowed to get in the way of some snappy one-liners and wicked gun battles...

[flvegan]

4. Looking for logic in a Bruce Willis flick? You're doing it wrong.

[ghostsofgiants]

10. This is the right answer.

Also, for good measure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTyw6cq86kY

[jmowreader]

5. Because it would have ruined the film

If you can't fit a 747, wings and all, through the holes in the plot it's not a Bruce Willis movie.

[dysfunctional press]

8. how come bruce willis was able to blow up a plane in midair in a blizzard...?

by lighting some snow soaked with jet-fuel...?

there are A LOT of questions about that movie.

[JANdad]

9. Those that are already in our pattern

need to hold at the outer marker. Those that are not in our pattern get diverted to their alternate airports....Stack em, rack em and pack em...lets go...

Is this what you had in mind Mclain...

No this is just the beginning...

[PaddyBlueEyes]

11. cause Chuck Norris

was using the other airports...to store his buffness..

[rcrush]

12. This is the only answer I like.

You win.

[PaddyBlueEyes]

13. Whhooohoo

Touchdown Irish..

[pokerfan]

14. similar problem with the 24 season opener

The writers are laboring under the impression that pilots would follow the (impersonated) ATC/tower instructions blindly. All a pilot would have to do is declare an emergency and say, "I'm flying over here. Clear some airspace for me." The pilot is the sole authority when it comes to his/her craft.