With tears dried and emotions running high, relatives and friends of the victims of the Air India Flight 182 disaster gathered at various venues in Canada, Ireland, and India on June 23, 2025, to mark the 40th anniversary of one of the worst terrorist attacks in modern history.

On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight AI 182, operating on the Montreal–London–Delhi route, was destroyed by a bomb at an altitude of 9,400 meters. The aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean while in Irish airspace.

A total of 329 people, including 268 Canadians, were killed in the bombing. Two more individuals lost their lives in a separate but related bombing at Narita Airport in Japan.

In the days following the tragedy, relatives of the victims traveled to Ireland. The Irish Naval Service led recovery efforts to retrieve the victims’ remains and the aircraft’s wreckage. Many family members were hosted by villagers in Ahakista, County Cork. In 1986, a permanent memorial was erected in the village, and a commemoration is held there every year on the morning of June 23.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a message commemorating the families and victims, said, “Forty years ago, innocent civilians, including over 250 Canadians, were killed in the bombing of Air India Flight 182. This terrorist attack remains the deadliest in our country’s history—one we must never forget.”

“As we mark the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, we remember the victims of the Air India bombing and all others who have lost their lives to terrorism,” added PM Carney. “Canada will continue to work with our allies and partners, at home and around the world, to better detect, prevent, and respond to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism.”

He further stated that Canada is increasing funding for national security, defense, and law enforcement, while enhancing intelligence-sharing with international allies. “Canada’s new government unequivocally stands against terrorism, and we will fulfill our mandate of change to keep communities safe,” he said.

In New Delhi, Canada’s Chargé d’Affaires Jennifer Daubeny and Irish Ambassador to India Kevin Kelly joined families of the victims, including relatives of crew members of the ill-fated Flight 182, at a commemoration ceremony held at Canada House.

Senior Indian government officials and members of the diplomatic community were also in attendance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Daubeny said, “Today is the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in Canada—a day that marks the anniversary of the bombing of Flight 182 and the lives lost.” She added, “As we mark its 40th anniversary, we join the families of the victims in paying tribute to each precious life lost in this tragedy. This anniversary reminds us of the urgent need to work together to defeat the forces of terrorism and ensure peace and safety for all citizens.”

Ambassador Kelly said, “Forty years on from the tragedy of Flight 182, we remember with sorrow the 329 innocent lives lost in an evil act of terror. It is with some solace that we recall how the people of Ahakista, in County Cork, came forward to support the families,” adding “Today, in India, Ireland, and Canada, we stand in solidarity with those families. May their memory endure as a reminder that innocent civilians must be protected from terrorism, wherever they are in the world.”

Guests signed a remembrance book on the occasion and planted a tree in memory of the victims. A minute’s silence was also held to remember those who died on Flight 182 and those who lost their lives in the very recent tragic air crash in Ahmedabad.

Guests signed a remembrance book, planted a tree in memory of the victims, and observed a minute of silence to honor those who perished on Flight 182, as well as the victims of the recent tragic air crash in Ahmedabad.

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