Historical Events tagged with "airport"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Pan Am Flight 73 Hijacking at Karachi Airport

September 5th, 1986 38 years ago

Pan Am Flight 73, operating from Mumbai, was hijacked at Karachi International Airport by members of the Abu Nidal Organization. The aircraft was seized while on the ground with 358 people on board, including passengers and crew. The hijackers took control of the airplane, demanding the release of their comrades held in various countries. The situation escalated, resulting in tragic consequences for those on board, including hostages and terrorists alike. The Indian government worked to resolve the crisis while international attention focused on the unfolding situation.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aerovías Sud Caravelle Crash in Guatemala

January 18th, 1986 39 years ago

An Aerovías Sud Aviation Caravelle crashed while approaching Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, Petén, Guatemala, resulting in the deaths of all 94 individuals aboard. The aircraft experienced difficulties before landing, compelling the crew to attempt an emergency landing. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the plane did not make it to the runway.

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Military & Warfare

Airport Attacks by Palestinian Guerrillas

December 27th, 1985 39 years ago

Palestinian guerrillas launched coordinated attacks at airports in Rome and Vienna, resulting in the deaths of eighteen individuals. The militants aimed to draw attention to the Palestinian issue and provoke international discourse surrounding their plight. Authorities responded by deploying security forces to contain the situations and apprehend the attackers. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as gunfire erupted in busy terminals, sparking panic among travelers.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105 Crash

September 6th, 1985 39 years ago

Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105, a McDonnell Douglas MD-80, crashed shortly after takeoff from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 31 people on board. The flight was scheduled to fly to New Orleans, Louisiana, but tragically lost altitude shortly after takeoff due to a control system failure. The aircraft impacted a field near the airport, marking one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Wisconsin's history.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Crash of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Fokker F27

August 5th, 1984 40 years ago

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines Fokker F27 Friendship was approaching Zia International Airport in Dhaka when it crashed, resulting in the deaths of all 49 passengers and crew on board. The plane had reportedly lost altitude and encountered issues moments before landing. The exact cause of the accident was investigated by aviation authorities.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Virgin Atlantic's Inaugural Flight to Newark

June 22nd, 1984 40 years ago

Virgin Atlantic launched its services with the first flight from London to Newark, marking a significant entry into the transatlantic air travel market. The flight, operated by a Boeing 747, was celebrated by passengers and the airline's team as a historical moment for aviation. Sir Richard Branson, the airline's founder, was present to inaugurate the new route, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and vision for the airline industry. This launch represented a new competition in the air travel sector, providing customers with additional choices in long-haul flights.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Avianca Flight 011 Crashes Near Madrid Airport

November 27th, 1983 41 years ago

Avianca Flight 011, a Boeing 747, crashed near Madrid's Barajas Airport, resulting in the deaths of 181 individuals. The flight was operating from Bogotá, Colombia, to Madrid when it encountered difficulties during its final approach. Initial investigations pointed to a range of factors, including fog conditions and pilot error, contributing to the tragic incident. The crash marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Spain's history.

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Military & Warfare

ASALA Attack at Orly Airport in Paris

July 15th, 1983 41 years ago

A violent attack at Orly Airport was perpetrated by the Armenian militant organization ASALA, resulting in eight fatalities and 55 injuries. Armed assailants stormed the terminal, instigating chaos and targeting passengers and staff. The incident drew significant attention due to its implications for international terrorism and ethnic conflict.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aeromexico Flight 230 Overshoots Runway at Chihuahua

July 27th, 1981 43 years ago

While landing at Chihuahua International Airport, Aeromexico Flight 230, a Douglas DC-9, overshot the runway resulting in the tragic loss of 32 lives among the 66 passengers and crew on board. The flight was arriving from Mexico City when it encountered difficulties during landing, ultimately leading to its overshooting the airport runway.

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