The invention relates to an arresting hook retracting and releasing mechanism, belonging to the technical field of aircraft manufacturing. The arresting hook retracting and releasing mechanism comprises a connecting rod I, an upper joint, a fixed rotating shaft I, a rotating shaft support, a fixed rotating shaft II, an actuator cylinder, an expansion link, a connecting rod II, a connecting rod III, a fixed rotating shaft III, a connecting rod IV, an aircraft body surface, an arresting hook and a fixed rotating shaft IV; a transmission mechanism can enable the arresting hook to be released and retracted stably, the mechanism is reliable, and the actuator cylinder can realize long force arm by a short actuating distance; in addition, when the arresting hook is released to a working position, the connecting rod I 2-1.1, the connecting rod II 2-6, the connecting rod III 2-7 and a shipboard aircraft fixed structure form a triangular force-bearing structure, pulling force generated by arresting during aircraft landing is directly dispersed to an aircraft body structure by a connecting rod mechanism, and therefore, the strength requirement on the actuator cylinder can be reduced.