30th Anniversary of Tragic China Airlines Flight 140 Remembered in Japan

By Ivan PetrenkoApr 28, 2024 08:30 AMNews
Share:
A large airplane flying in the sky
A large airplane flying in the sky. Source: unsplash

Thirty years after the devastating crash of China Airlines Flight 140, a somber memorial ceremony was held in Japan's Aichi Prefecture, near the site of the tragedy. On April 26, 1994, the Airbus A300B4-622R, flying from Taipei to Nagoya, stalled during its approach and crashed, claiming the lives of 264 of the 271 people on board.

The ceremony, attended by a modest gathering of bereaved family members from Japan and Taiwan, including the head of China Airlines' Nagoya branch, took place at the 'Yasuragi-no-sono'—the 'Garden of Eternal Rest'. This memorial garden, established shortly after the accident, serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost. At precisely 20:15, the exact moment of the crash three decades ago, attendees observed a moment of silence, reflecting on the profound impact of the disaster.

Misuo Sakai, representing the families of the victims, expressed the deep emotional scars that remain, "Thirty years have passed, and I clearly remember what happened that day." His words underscore the lasting sorrow and the vivid memories that linger among those affected by the crash.

The tragedy was caused by a critical error during the flight's approach when the takeoff/go-around setting was mistakenly activated, leading to a fatal stall. This remains the deadliest incident in China Airlines' history and prompted years of legal battles and safety investigations. Efforts to hold both the airline and Airbus accountable culminated in a significant legal ruling in 2003, ordering China Airlines to pay substantial compensation to the victims' families, though Airbus was found not liable for the aircraft's design.

Today, China Airlines continues to operate as Taiwan's flag carrier, maintaining high safety and product standards. The airline's commitment to safety has been reinforced over the years, reflecting lessons learned from the past.

The annual memorial at 'Yasuragi-no-sono' not only honors those who perished but also serves as a reminder of the aviation community's ongoing responsibility to ensure the safety of air travel for all passengers.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Construction worker in safety gear at railway site

Long-Term Closure of Deighton Station to Disrupt Travel Until 2027

Jun 21, 2025 07:34 AM
Airplane flying through a clear blue sky

Summer Flights to Tokyo Now Cheaper from Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul

Jun 20, 2025 23:44 PM

EMR Agrees New Ticket Sharing Rules with Northern and TPE

Jun 20, 2025 21:27 PM

Gatwick Expands Summer Routes to Eight New Cities Across Europe and Africa

Jun 20, 2025 19:31 PM
Railway workers conducting maintenance on train tracks

Ty Glas Station Closure to Impact Travel and Local Access for Months

Jun 20, 2025 18:46 PM
Emirates aircraft landing on a runway during daylight

Emirates Adds Third Daily Flight to Barcelona Enhancing Travel Options

Jun 20, 2025 17:28 PM
Railway worker operating near freight car during maintenance

Gloucestershire Rail Works in July to Cause Delays and Route Changes for Travelers

Jun 20, 2025 05:32 AM
AirAsia aircraft in flight against a blue sky

AirAsia Celebrates Global Ranking with Network-Wide Flight Promotions

Jun 19, 2025 23:44 PM
Railway worker carrying out track maintenance with hand tools

Track Closure Alert: Subway Construction to Halt Trains in Norfolk

Jun 19, 2025 21:23 PM

Emirates Partners with Uber to Simplify Airport Transfers

Jun 19, 2025 19:38 PM

Coronado’s Historic Hotel Returns After Major Restoration

Jun 19, 2025 17:45 PM
Man holding a protest sign during a daytime demonstration, facing a journalist in a crowd

Air Travel Alert: Strike Set to Disrupt Northern Italy Airports on June 20

Jun 19, 2025 04:22 AM
Person photographing the sunset over a calm lake in Finland during summer

Finland’s Midnight Sun Transforms Summer Travel Experiences

Jun 19, 2025 02:37 AM
Wizz Air aircraft taking off from a runway with trees in the background

Wizz Air Reopens Suceava Base Opening New Direct Flights for Travelers

Jun 18, 2025 23:47 PM
Modern hotel room with two twin beds and warm lighting

New Opening in Covent Garden Blends London Setting with New York Flavour

Jun 18, 2025 21:24 PM

Mount Lewotobi Eruption Disrupts Flights to Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo

Jun 18, 2025 19:31 PM

Marriott to Broaden African Footprint with Dozens of New Hotels by 2027

Jun 18, 2025 17:49 PM
easyJet aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

easyJet Expands UK Winter Flights with 22 New Direct European Routes

Jun 18, 2025 15:26 PM
Empty interior of a public bus with yellow poles and blue seats

Public Transport Updated for Blenheim Concertgoers

Jun 18, 2025 13:53 PM
Emirates aircraft flying against a blue sky

Emirates Launches A350 Flights to Lyon as Part of Fleet Shift in France

Jun 17, 2025 23:43 PM
Modern hotel room with large windows and city view

New Wyndham Days Inn Opens in Shantou, Increasing Hotel Availability Beyond China’s Largest Cities

Jun 17, 2025 21:29 PM
Jet2 airplane taxiing on runway at UK airport

New Iceland Flights from UK Boost Winter Travel Options for 2026

Jun 17, 2025 19:36 PM

New Hotel to Open Steps from Uppsala’s Landmarks and Station

Jun 17, 2025 17:41 PM

New Hotel in Central Kathmandu Reshapes the City’s Travel Map

Jun 17, 2025 13:27 PM
Cathay Pacific aircraft at gate in Hong Kong International Airport

New Nonstop Flights Open Direct Path from Hong Kong to Munich

Jun 17, 2025 11:34 AM
A panoramic view of Hong Kong’s skyline and harbor from Victoria Peak at sunset

Hong Kong’s Hiking Trails Open New Paths for Active City Exploration

Jun 16, 2025 23:44 PM