Commemorating the victims of the Spanair disaster, an event that transpired seventeen years ago today.
On August 20, 2023, Spain will mark the first National Day of Air Crash Victims and Their Families, a significant step demonstrating the State's commitment to those affected by aviation accidents. The day was proposed by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
Seventeen years ago, on this same day, the tragic accident of Spanair flight JK5022 occurred at Barajas Airport, which remains the most serious incident in the history of Spanish aviation, claiming the lives of 154 passengers and injuring 18 others.
In Madrid, the Association of Affected by Flight JK5022 (AVJK5022) has announced an "institutional and symbolic" act to commemorate the day. Four flower offerings are scheduled, two of which will take place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island where the victims of the Spanair accident are being remembered.
Another offering will be at 10:30 am at the Luces en el Void Monument in the La Puntilla area of Las Canteras Beach. At 11:00 am, an offering will be made in the Plaza de La Memoria.
The accident of flight JK5022 was a result of a succession of technical and human failures. In a second attempt to take off, the aircraft did manage to lift off but lost control five seconds later due to the crew's failure to deploy the flaps and slats, which serve to keep the aircraft in the air. The alert systems that warn of possible failures never sounded.
Representatives of air tragedies such as Monte Oiz (1985), Mali (2014), French Alps (2015), and Spanair will speak at the event in Madrid. Pilar Vera, president of AVJK5022, stated that her "obsession" has been "working for real preventive air safety" since the accident.
Two other remembrances to the victims were organized in the municipalities of Ingenio and Telde. The Government's agreement to establish a National Day in honour of these victims is part of its ongoing efforts to support those affected by aviation accidents and their loved ones. The agreement also determines that the Government will promote various activities to give content to the celebration of this day.
As the nation comes together to remember and honour the victims of aviation tragedies, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety in air travel and the ongoing efforts to ensure the highest standards are met.
