Air India Flight 182 Disaster: June 23, 1985

On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747-237B named “Kanishka,” was destroyed by a bomb over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 329 people on board. This tragic event remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving terrorism.

Background

• Flight Details: Air India Flight 182 was a scheduled flight from Montreal, Canada, to Delhi, India, with stops in London, England, and Mumbai, India.
• Aircraft: The aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-237B, registered as VT-EFO.

The Incident

• Explosion: At approximately 31,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Ireland, a bomb exploded in the forward cargo hold of the aircraft.
• Casualties: All 329 people on board, including 268 Canadian citizens, 27 British citizens, and 24 Indian citizens, perished in the disaster.
• Immediate Aftermath: The wreckage fell into the ocean, and recovery operations were launched by various international agencies. Only 132 bodies were recovered from the sea.

Investigation

• Cause: The bombing was linked to Sikh militant groups seeking revenge against the Indian government for the military operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984.
• Key Suspects: The investigation focused on members of the Babbar Khalsa, a Sikh separatist group. Talwinder Singh Parmar and Inderjit Singh Reyat were among the primary suspects.
• Legal Proceedings: Inderjit Singh Reyat was convicted of manslaughter and perjury, while other suspects were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Broader Impact

• Security Reforms: The disaster led to significant changes in aviation security protocols worldwide, including stricter baggage screening and passenger identification processes.
• Canadian Response: The incident highlighted the need for improved intelligence and counter-terrorism measures in Canada, leading to reforms in national security policies.
• Memorials: Several memorials have been established in Canada, Ireland, and India to honor the victims of the tragedy.

Conclusion

The bombing of Air India Flight 182 remains a somber reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism on innocent lives. It underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and improving aviation security to prevent such tragedies in the future.