New Delhi: In a solemn ceremony at Canada House in New Delhi, Canadian and Irish diplomatic missions came together on Sunday to observe the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, a tragic act of terrorism that claimed 329 lives in 1985. Diplomats, Indian government officials, and family members of the victims gathered to pay tribute and reflect on one of the deadliest aviation-related terror attacks in history.
Jennifer Daubeny, Chargé d’affaires at the Canadian High Commission, and Kevin Kelly, Irish Ambassador to India, led the commemoration. The event coincided with Canada’s National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, which marks the anniversary of the Air India bombing.
Daubeny emphasized the enduring pain caused by the attack and the importance of continued international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
“As we mark the 40th anniversary of this horrific act, we stand in solidarity with the victims’ families. Each life lost remains a profound reminder of the devastating toll of terrorism,” she said. “This day is not only about remembrance but also a call to action—to uphold peace and security for all citizens.”
Ambassador Kelly echoed these sentiments, expressing sorrow over the lives lost and highlighting the compassion shown by the Irish people in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“Four decades on, we remember with sorrow the 329 innocent victims of this horrific act. The response of the community in Ahakista, County Cork, where the debris and remains were recovered, continues to be a source of comfort. Today, Ireland stands alongside India and Canada in shared grief and solidarity,” said Kelly.
The commemoration included a minute’s silence to honour the victims of Flight 182 as well as those who perished in a recent air crash in Ahmedabad. Attendees also participated in a tree-planting ceremony as a tribute to the victims, and a remembrance book was opened for signatures and messages from guests.
Tragedy That Shook the World
Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747 operating the Montreal–London–Delhi route, was destroyed by a bomb on June 23, 1985, while cruising at 31,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean near the Irish coast. All 329 people on board, including 268 Canadians, lost their lives. The attack was linked to Sikh extremists based in Canada and marked the deadliest terrorist incident involving an aircraft before 9/11.
In a related incident on the same day, another bomb intended for a second Air India flight exploded prematurely at Narita Airport in Japan, killing two baggage handlers. Authorities later determined that both attacks were part of a coordinated plot targeting India’s national carrier.
Following the bombing, families of the victims travelled to Ireland, where the Irish Naval Service conducted recovery operations. In a poignant show of humanity, local residents in Ahakista, a small village in County Cork, provided accommodation and support to grieving families. In 1986, a memorial was unveiled at the site to honour those lost, and annual services have been held there every June 23.
A Legacy of Remembrance
Over the years, the tragedy has had a lasting impact on Canada’s national security policies and has prompted reforms in aviation security worldwide. Despite the magnitude of the attack, only one person was convicted in connection with the bombing. The prolonged legal proceedings and perceived delays in justice have been a source of frustration for the victims’ families.
However, the annual commemorations held in multiple countries—including India, Canada, and Ireland—serve to keep the memory of the victims alive and reinforce the global commitment to combating terrorism.
As dignitaries, relatives, and guests gathered at Canada House on Sunday, the atmosphere was marked by both grief and resilience. The event underscored the deep emotional scars left by the bombing but also the enduring resolve to remember, honour, and learn from the past.
