

Papa India Memorial Plaque Unveiling
On the 18th June 2025 the Air Cabin Crew Fund, in collaboration with British Airways, organised a Service of Remembrance, wreath laying and the unveiling of the newly installed 'Papa India Memorial Plaque' in the garden of the Multi Faith Chapel of St George at London's Heathrow Airport.
The plaque, funded by British Airways, lists the names of all the 118 souls who lost their lives in the tragedy, near Heathrow, on 18th June 1972, 35 years previously. The inscription above the names reads:-
THIS PLAQUE COMMEMORATES THE 118 PASSENGERS AND CREW LOST ON SUNDAY JUNE 18TH 1972 WHEN TRIDENT 1 G-ARPI (PAPA INDIA) OF BRITISH EUROPEAN AIRWAYS, FLYING FROM LONDON HEATHROW TO BRUSSELS, CRASHED SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF ONTO NEARBY STAINES MOOR. ALL THOSE ON BOARD SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES. THE SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE ACCIDENT LED TO SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN AVIATION SAFETY WORLDWIDE THAT WE BENEFIT FROM TODAY.
After the Service the 'Papa India Book of Remembrance' was passed, for long term stewardship and display, to the British Airways Speedbird Heritage Centre. It was presented by its Calligrapher, Margaret Stanley, and received by the Heritage Centre's Director, Jim Davies.