11/09/2026
25 years have passed since the attacks that changed aviation forever. Many of us still remember that day as if it were yesterday.
But in the middle of all the fear, pain and uncertainty, something remarkable happened in a small town in Newfoundland, Canada.
When US airspace was closed, 42 aircrafts were rerouted to Gander International Airport, carrying around 6,600 passengers and crew. Gander itself had a population of fewer than 10,000 people.
Suddenly, thousands of strangers arrived with nowhere to go and no idea how long they would have to stay. The people of Gander and the surrounding communities simply stepped up.
They opened their homes. They provided food, clothing, medication and everything else people needed. Schools, churches and community centres became temporary shelters. And, perhaps most importantly, they made people who had just experienced an unimaginable day feel safe and welcome.
Behind this extraordinary act of humanity was also an enormous aviation operation.
With US airspace closed, hundreds of international flights had to be diverted. Aircraft crossing the Atlantic had to be redirected quickly, with airports across Canada taking in thousands of passengers and crew. Gander, with its strategic location and ability to accommodate large aircraft, became one of the key destinations in what became known as Operation Yellow Ribbon.
Nobody knew how long the disruption would last. The priority was simply to get aircraft safely on the ground and people somewhere safe.
And in the darkness of that day, there was also light.
We witnessed terrible acts and unimaginable loss. But we also witnessed extraordinary solidarity, compassion and humanity. That, too, is part of aviation history.
Gander is a special place, with very special people. And 25 years later, their story is still worth remembering.
To those who lost their lives on 11 September 2001, and to their loved ones, we will not forget you.
