In the Book
In the Movie
This did not happen in the book. The Americans flew out on a DC-8 named Aagua after a one hour delay for a mechanical problem. Some of the local security start to harass some of the passengers who are waiting, but it is not a problem.
Iranian authorities finally figure out that several Americans from the Embassy are trying to leave via the airport and rush to stop them.
Ordinary police cars cannot match the 180 mph take-off speed of a 747.
Revolutionary guards break through the door at the departure gate and use several police cars to attempt to intercept the Swiss Air 747 airliner while it is taking off. They also break into the control tower to disrupt the departing airliner.
CIA officers in Iran notify the state department in the USA about progress of the flight.
The CIA has communications with the flight purser; they are informed that the Americans are safely out of the country.
Mendez goes back home. His wife knows what he did and that he will not be publicly recognized for his actions for years.
Mendez goes home to his wife and they get back together.