Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Families Resist Proposed Closure of Air India Kanishka Investigation
In 1985, a bomb destroyed Air India Flight 182 over the Atlantic Ocean.
All 329 people on the plane died.
Another bomb at an airport in Japan killed two baggage workers that day.
The victims’ families have waited more than 40 years for full justice.
A Canadian police force, the RCMP, reportedly wants to reduce the number of investigators on the case.
Police say they do not currently have more leads to follow.
The families disagree and say important questions and possible suspects remain.
They want Canada to keep investigating and offer a larger reward for information.
The article’s author says ending the investigation would abandon the victims and their families.
The Air India Flight 182 bombing on June 23, 1985, killed all 329 people aboard, including 86 children.
A separate bomb at Narita airport killed two baggage handlers on the same day.
The author says the RCMP told families it intended to reduce the Air India task force to administrative staff.
The RCMP reportedly said it had no further leads, while CSIS had acknowledged Canada-based Khalistani extremists were responsible.
Victims’ families are urging Canada and India to continue the investigation, increase the reward, and pursue additional suspects and witnesses.
- Who
- The victims of Air India Flight 182, their families, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and alleged Canada-based Khalistani extremists.
- What
- Families are opposing the RCMP’s reported plan to wind down the Air India 182 investigation and are calling for renewed efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible.
- When
- The bombing occurred on June 23, 1985; the reported RCMP meeting and CSIS acknowledgement took place around the 41st anniversary in 2026.
- Where
- Flight 182 exploded about 90 miles off Cork, Ireland; the families’ meeting with the RCMP took place in Toronto, Canada.
- Why
- The RCMP reportedly said it had no further leads, while families argue that unanswered questions, living alleged conspirators, and unexamined persons of interest justify continuing the investigation.
Victims’ Families
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Whether the investigation should continue
Victims’ Families
Families say the case should not be closed because alleged conspirators and other persons of interest may still provide answers, and questions about related killings remain unresolved.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The RCMP reportedly told families that it had no further leads to pursue and intended to wind down investigative staffing.
Reward for information
Victims’ Families
Families want the Canadian government to increase and reissue the reward, arguing that it could encourage informants to come forward.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The article does not report that the RCMP or Canadian government agreed to renew or increase the reward.
Assessment of past efforts
Victims’ Families
The author says delays, witness intimidation, alleged evidence problems, and discriminatory treatment harmed the pursuit of justice.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The RCMP’s reported position is that the investigation has reached a point where no further investigative leads are available, although it may consider fresh information from families.
- Flight
- Air India Flight 182, also known as Kanishka
- Bombing date
- June 23, 1985
- Deaths aboard Flight 182
- 329 people, including 86 children under 13
- Other bombing
- A bomb at Narita airport killed two baggage handlers
- Investigation timeline
- Charges were filed in 2000, nearly 18 years after the bombing
- RCMP position
- The force reportedly plans to reduce the task force to zero investigative staff, leaving administrative staff to return victims’ personal effects
- Families’ request
- Renew the investigation, increase and reissue the reward, and pursue outstanding leads