A Day of Remembrance and Reflection
On August 20, 2008, Spanair flight JK5022 suffered a tragic accident at Madrid-Barajas Airport, resulting in the loss of 154 lives and 18 injuries. This Tuesday marks the 16th anniversary of this event, which marked a turning point in flight safety in Spain.
Ceremonies to Honor the Victims
Every year, the Association of Victims of Flight JK5022 organizes several commemorative activities in Gran Canaria and Madrid. This year, at 11:00 a.m., a floral offering will be made at the El Cubo Monument, located at the Punta de la Platja de Las Pedreres. Later, at 12:00, another offering will take place in Plaça de la Memoria in the Gran Canaria capital.
The Impact of the Accident on Legislation
The accident of JK5022 led to a significant change in aviation safety regulations. The European Parliament, influenced by Spain’s demands, established new regulations in 2010 requiring airlines to provide passenger lists within two hours of an incident. This measure was born from the 30 hours of anguish experienced by the families of the passengers on the flight.
Security Initiatives and Victim Support
In addition, the A20 Air Safety Foundation was created, which seeks to foster a culture of air safety and defend the rights of victims and their families. This foundation will be presented at a press conference in Terminal 2 of Madrid Airport during the commemorations.
Subsequent Reforms and Improvements
After the tragedy, Spain implemented the State Operational Security Program for Civil Aviation (PES) and approved the Coordination Protocol for assistance to victims and their families in May 2014. These measures have have been instrumental in ensuring that incidents like the JK5022 do not happen again.
A Safer Future
Currently, Spain has adopted the international recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and continues to work to improve air safety. Today’s commemoration serves not only to remember those we lost, but also to reaffirm our commitment to aviation safety.
