Families Mark 40th Anniversary Air India Terrorism Disaster Ireland, Canada

Families of the victims of two major Air India tragedies continue to mourn and commemorate their lost loved ones decades later. The recent Air India Flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12 resulted in the deaths of Javed Ali Syed, his wife, and their two children, marking one of India's deadliest aviation disasters and evoking profound grief across India and the UK. Meanwhile, the 40th anniversary of the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 off the coast of Cork, Ireland, which killed 329 people including many Canadian citizens of Indian descent, was solemnly observed at the Ahakista Memorial with wreath-laying ceremonies and tributes from families, officials, and dignitaries from India, Canada, and Ireland. The bombing remains the worst aviation act of terrorism before 9/11, and family members find solace in their annual pilgrimages to the Irish memorial where they feel a strong community bond and support. Irish leaders have expressed solidarity with the families affected by both the historic bombing and the recent crash, recognizing the deeply personal and global significance of these tragedies. These commemorations underscore the enduring impact of aviation disasters on families and communities worldwide and their ongoing pursuit of remembrance and peace.