Today marks the anniversary of the tragic bombing of Air India Flight 182, a heinous act of terrorism that shook the world on June 23, 1985. The mid-air destruction of the Boeing 747, known as Emperor Kanishka, resulted in the loss of 329 lives, including 280 Canadian citizens and 22 Indian nationals.
The aircraft was en route from Montreal to London, Delhi, and Mumbai when a bomb detonated at 31,000 feet, causing it to disintegrate over the Atlantic Ocean. The passengers, who were anticipating joyful reunions with loved ones, were killed instantly.
The investigation into this disaster took nearly two decades and cost 130 million Canadian dollars, making it one of Canada's most extensive and expensive inquiries. Initial probes failed to hold anyone accountable, but relentless efforts led to new investigations starting in 2003. By 2010, convictions were finally secured, bringing a measure of justice to the victims and their families.
The terrorists had checked in a suitcase containing the bomb on June 22, 1985. This suitcase was transferred from Canadian Pacific Airlines Flight 60 in Vancouver to Air India Flight 181, and ultimately to Flight 182. The explosion occurred shortly after the plane departed from Montreal, giving no time for a distress call.
The tragedy exposed significant security lapses within Canadian aviation authorities, prompting a complete overhaul of security measures. As we commemorate this somber anniversary, we honor the memory of those lost and reflect on the profound changes in aviation security and counter-terrorism efforts that followed this devastating event.
