Policemen stand near the wreckage of 747 Pan Am airliner that exploded and crashed over Lockerbie, Scotland, 22 December 1988. AFP
Policemen stand near the wreckage of 747 Pan Am airliner that exploded and crashed over Lockerbie, Scotland, 22 December 1988. AFP

1988 - The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie

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Updated 19 April 2025
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1988 - The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie

1988 - The bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie
  • The Lockerbie bombing, the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history, exposed ignored warnings and left lingering questions

JEDDAH: The king leads the Saudi delegation at a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Manama, there is a new government in Israel, and there is a crisis in Sudan; that Arab News front page could have been published on almost any day in recent years. 

Except the Saudi king was King Fahd, the Israeli prime minister was Yitzhak Shamir, and another report on the page tells you that this was Dec. 23, 1988. 

Two nights before, Pan Am Flight 103 from Frankfurt to Detroit, via London and New York, had been blown up by a terrorist bomb as it crossed the border between England and Scotland. 

With a death toll of 270 — all 243 passengers and 16 crew, and 11 victims on the ground in Lockerbie, where the aircraft smashed into two residential streets at 800 kph — it remains the deadliest terror attack in UK history. 

Few events resonate all the way from a small Scottish border town to the White House. This was one such event. Lockerbie, with its 4,000 souls, joined that list of places in the UK and elsewhere — Aberfan, Munich, Srebrenica, My Lai — forever associated in the public consciousness with cruel and senseless loss of life. 

Scotland, my country, and Glasgow, my city, are not soft places, nor are the journalists they produce noted for emotional incontinence. But I saw tough, cynical, diamond-hard reporters return from Lockerbie numbed into glazed-eyed silence by the enormity of what they saw there, and full of respect and admiration for the quiet dignity and fortitude with which its townspeople bore their losses. 

How we wrote it




The jet crash headlined Arab News’ front page, detailing its devastation in the Scottish town.

Most of the plane’s passengers were American, and their relatives flew from the US to identify bodies and possessions. The people of Lockerbie temporarily buried their own grief to provide accommodation, food, comfort and solace to the bereaved. Bonds were forged that remain to this day. 

When a terrorist attack was confirmed, the perpetrator identified by Washington was inevitable. The US and the regime of Muammar Qaddafi in Libya had been in a state of undeclared war for years, and US airstrikes in April 1986, far from cowing Qaddafi, appeared only to have incensed him. 

US and UK investigators believed Libyan agents in Malta concealed a Semtex bomb inside a radio-cassette player and sent it in a suitcase to Frankfurt, where it was loaded aboard Pan Am Flight 103 and the fate of 270 people was sealed. 

With some narratives, paradoxically, it can make sense to work backwards — in this case from when Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi, a Libyan intelligence officer and former head of security for Libyan Arab Airlines, died at his home in Tripoli on May 20, 2012, at the age of 60. 

More than 11 years earlier, in January 2001, three Scottish judges sitting at a special court in a former US air base in the Netherlands had sentenced Al-Megrahi to life imprisonment on 270 counts of murder for the Lockerbie bombing. He served more than eight years in two prisons in Scotland before the Scottish government released him on compassionate grounds when doctors said he had terminal cancer, and he returned to Libya in August 2009. Given three months to live, he lasted for nearly three years. 

Al-Megrahi was, and remains, the only person to be convicted of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103; with his death, therefore, case closed? Well, no. 

The repercussions began soon after the disaster, and continue to this day. Pan Am, its security operations exposed as criminally useless, was bankrupt after a year and out of business after two. UN sanctions against Qaddafi and Libya reinforced their pariah status, and by February 2011 the country was embroiled in civil war. Qaddafi was captured and killed on Oct. 20, 2011. Al-Megrahi would outlive him by seven months. 

Key Dates

  • 1

    The US Federal Aviation Authority issues a bulletin warning of an anonymous tip that a Pan Am flight from Frankfurt will be blown up in the next two weeks.

  • 2

    Pan Am Flight 103 is destroyed by a bomb over Lockerbie.

    Timeline Image Dec. 21, 1988

  • 3

    Alleged Libyan intelligence officers Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi and Lamin Khalifa Fhimah are indicted for murder by US and Scottish authorities, but Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi refuses to allow their extradition for trial.

    Timeline Image Nov. 1991

  • 4

    After a nine-year standoff, Qaddafi agrees to allow Al-Megrahi and Fhimah to be tried under Scottish law in the Netherlands.

    Timeline Image May 3, 2000

  • 5

    Al-Megrahi is jailed for life. Fhimah is found not guilty.

  • 6

    Al-Megrahi loses an appeal against his conviction.

  • 7

    Qaddafi accepts Libya’s responsibility for the bombing and agrees to pay compensation to each of the victims’ families.

    Timeline Image April 29, 2003

  • 8

    Al-Megrahi, with terminal prostate cancer diagnosed, is released on compassionate grounds and returns to Libya.

    Timeline Image Aug. 20, 2009

  • 9

    Libyan civil war breaks out.

  • 10

    Libya’s former Justice Minister Mustafa Abdul Jalil claims Qaddafi’s regime was implicated in the bombing.

    Timeline Image Feb. 23, 2011

  • 11

    Qaddafi is killed by rebel militia while trying to flee after the fall of Tripoli.

  • 12

    Al-Megrahi dies, aged 60.

  • 13

    The US announces the arrest of Abu Agila Masud, accused of constructing the bomb device that destroyed Pan Am Flight 103.

    Timeline Image Dec. 12, 2022

For the rest of us, airline and airport security have intensified on an apparently endless upward trajectory, and we can at least be grateful that an unaccompanied suitcase with a bomb inside can never again travel from Malta through two airports to the skies over Scotland. 

Perhaps most significantly, however, Lockerbie may have marked the beginning of a collapse in public trust in what our governments tell us. Authorities in the US and the UK have always insisted that Al-Megrahi was guilty, and that he acted alone or with a single accomplice. Few believe that. 

Major world events — the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the moon landings, the 9/11 attacks on America — attract conspiracy theorists like iron to a magnet, and Lockerbie is no exception. It was Iran; it was the Palestinians; it was Mossad; it was the Stasi; it was apartheid South Africa. 

What makes Lockerbie different is that one of the “theories” is almost certainly fact — but which one is anyone’s guess. One man more entitled than most to make that guess is Jim Swire, the softly spoken but determined English country doctor whose daughter Flora, 23, perished on board the plane. 

Swire, now in his late eighties, has devoted his life to finding the truth about Lockerbie. He met and questioned Al-Megrahi. He met and questioned Qaddafi. He has been a thorn in the side of UK and US authorities for more than 30 years, and he believes to this day that the case against Al-Megrahi was a travesty and a tissue of lies, to cover up some ghastly truth that may never be known. 

US President George H. W. Bush set up an aviation security commission in September 1989 to report on the plane’s sabotage, and British relatives of the victims met members of the commission at the US Embassy in London in February the following year. A member of Bush’s staff told one of the relatives: “Your government and ours know exactly what happened, but they are never going to tell.” 




Local resident Robert Love stands by one of the four engines of the ill-fated Pan Am 747 Jumbo jet that exploded and crashed on route to New-York. AFP

Perhaps not. But like a tenacious shoot from a seed buried deep beneath the soil, the truth has a way of reaching the light. 

This year the production of two television drama series, one focused on Swire’s dogged search for that truth, has brought the Lockerbie tragedy back into the public consciousness. Old theories are being revived. 

But this year could also see those theories refuted — or vindicated. 

On May 12, a man identified in court papers as Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir Al-Marimi, or simply Masud, will go on trial in Washington charged with having made the bomb that destroyed Pan Am Flight 103. 

The story of how Masud was identified, captured and extradited to the US — a country with which Libya has no extradition treaty — remains to be told. 

It also remains to be seen whether the trial of Masud will bring some kind of closure, or simply further distress, for the still-grieving families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103, and for the people of Lockerbie.

  • Ross Anderson, associate editor at Arab News, was on duty as a senior editor at Today newspaper in London on the night of the Lockerbie disaster.


Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event
Updated 3 min 47 sec ago
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Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event
  • Passport to the World runs until May 24
  • The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures

JEDDAH: Passport to the World, which is taking place in Jeddah until May 24, is offering visitors an immersive look at Sudan’s cultural heritage through live folk performances, traditional dances, and interactive workshops that highlight customs, celebrations, and community rituals.

The event also features a food corner serving authentic Sudanese dishes, desserts, and traditional drinks that reflect the country’s hospitality.

Guests are also given an opportunity to wear traditional Sudanese clothing and explore the meanings behind its regional colors and patterns.

Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the event supports efforts to showcase the cultural diversity of expatriate communities in the Kingdom while promoting values of coexistence through interactive cultural programming.

The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures.

The Sudanese showcase is its conclusion and has attracted strong public interest. A previous edition in Alkhobar was also well received.
 


Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait
Updated 13 min 42 sec ago
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Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait
  • Guidelines adopted at meeting of GCC’s ministers

KUWAIT CITY: Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail has concluded his official visit to Kuwait, during which he headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 23rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s housing ministers, which included participation from the relevant ministers of member states and was attended by the secretary-general of the GCC.

Several technical guidelines were adopted at the meeting, most notably the Value Engineering Guide for GCC Housing Projects, which was prepared by Riyadh as a step to enhance spending efficiency while improving the quality of outcomes in Gulf housing schemes.


Review: The secret ingredient is love in Netflix’s heartwarming film ‘Nonnas’

Review: The secret ingredient is love in Netflix’s heartwarming film ‘Nonnas’
Updated 20 min 56 sec ago
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Review: The secret ingredient is love in Netflix’s heartwarming film ‘Nonnas’

Review: The secret ingredient is love in Netflix’s heartwarming film ‘Nonnas’
  • Whether through a shared meal or unexpected romance, “Nonnas” reveals that love can always be found, no matter your age

Netflix’s latest heartwarming film, “Nonnas” serves up more than just mouthwatering Americanized Italian food — it delivers a heartfelt story rooted in real life, proving that passion and purpose have no expiration date. It has steadily hovered in the top 10 Netflix film list in Saudi Arabia since its debut earlier this month.

Inspired by the true story of local Italian New Yorker Joe Scaravela’s Staten Island restaurant, Enoteca Maria/Nonnas of the World, which it self-describes as: “Convivial trattoria featuring real international grandmothers cooking on a rotating schedule,” the film highlights a special concept: Grandmothers, or “nonnas” (the Italian word for grandmother), from diverse backgrounds cook authentic, home-style meals for customers.

Vince Vaughn whips up a storm as Scaravela, the visionary who transforms deep personal loss into a vibrant tribute to family heritage: Handwritten scribbled recipes and all.

Alongside him, legendary actresses Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro bring the nonnas to life with warmth, humor and undeniable charm. Their performances challenge stereotypes about aging women, showing that these culinary matriarchs are far from “past their prime.” Instead, they are vibrant, innovative, creative and full of surprises — proving that life’s best chapters can unfold well beyond what society expects.

The film is a delightful reminder to believe in yourself, and also about the power of community. It celebrates the resilience and strength found in embracing one’s roots, sharing stories and opening hearts while breaking bread. Whether through a shared meal or unexpected romance, “Nonnas” reveals that love can always be found, no matter your age.

While some moments tread the line of predictable and are a bit too sentimental, the film’s earnest spirit and genuine affection for its characters shine through. A bit cheesy? Absolutely. But who doesn’t love a bit — or a lot — of cheese sprinkled in, especially when it’s served with a side of a home-cooked meal (for the soul)?


Kardashian ‘grateful’ after Paris robbers convicted

Kardashian ‘grateful’ after Paris robbers convicted
Updated 20 min 1 sec ago
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Kardashian ‘grateful’ after Paris robbers convicted

Kardashian ‘grateful’ after Paris robbers convicted
  • Kardashian described the heist as the most terrifying experience of her life
  • Gang of robbers convicted for stealing $10 million in jewelry from the reality TV star

PARIS: A French court on Friday convicted a gang of robbers who stole $10 million in jewelry from reality TV star Kim Kardashian in a Paris hotel in 2016, although they will not return to jail and the verdicts were more lenient than requested by the prosecution.
Describing the heist as “the most terrifying experience of my life,” Kardashian swiftly expressed her gratitude to the French authorities for pursuing “justice” in the case.
Nine men and one woman have been on trial since April and prosecutors sought the toughest jail terms — 10 years — for the four men accused of carrying out the robbery.
Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, the ringleader, was handed the heaviest sentence of three years in prison plus five years suspended, but due to time served in jail will not return to detention, like all the others convicted.
Two other suspects accused of handing information about the American superstar’s whereabouts were acquitted. All the sentences were substantially lower than the terms demanded by the prosecution.
Kardashian, then 35, was robbed while staying at an exclusive hotel in the French capital on the night of October 2-3, 2016.
She was threatened with a gun to the head and tied up, with her mouth taped.
Kardashian said after the verdict she she was “deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice.”
“The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family,” she said in a statement sent by her lawyers.
“While I’ll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all,” she added.
After the hearing adjourned, the convicted men embraced their loved ones in relief and slowly left the courtroom, taking with them the bags and suitcases they had prepared in case of imprisonment.
“The sentences are quite lenient; I understand that you understand that you have caused harm,” presiding judge David De Pas told them as he read out the verdicts.
He also said “the state of health of the main protagonists ethically prohibits incarcerating anyone. It would have been unjust to take you to prison this evening.”
Aomar Ait Khedache had begged to be forgiven in his final statement ahead of sentencing.
Khedache is now virtually mute and completely deaf, and his statement was read out by his lawyer.
“I ask for forgiveness. I can’t find the words. I am very sorry,” he wrote, asking for “a thousand pardons” from his son Harminy, who was convicted for acting as a driver on the night of the heist.
Two other men convicted of carrying out the robbery on the night, Yunice Abbas, 71, and Didier Dubreucq, 69, were sentenced to seven years jail including five suspended. Dubreucq was absent as he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, at 35 the only youngster, was given the same sentence.
Kardashian’s lawyers said in a statement that the star “looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves.”
Most of the stolen valuables were never recovered, including a diamond ring given to Kardashian by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West.
The ring alone was valued at 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million).
The robbery was the biggest against a private individual in France in 20 years.
Most of the accused are now in their 60s and 70s and have been dubbed the “Grandpa robbers” by French media.
But making the sentencing demands earlier this week, the prosecutor urged the judges and jury to remember that Kardashian was targeted by a violent attack and not to be taken in by the “wrinkles” of the defendants.
The American star testified at the trial, wearing a diamond necklace valued at $3 million, according to its New York-based creator Samer Halimeh.
During the trial, Kardashian told the court she forgave Khedache after hearing a letter of apology from him.
“I forgive you for what has taken place but it does not change the emotion, the feelings, the trauma and the way my life changed,” she told Khedache, adding that she believed in a “second chance.”
Kardashian, sometimes described as “famous for being famous,” became well known in the early 2000s through TV reality shows, before launching fashion brands and appearing in films.


Three clubs fighting relegation in SPL Roshn League’s final round

Three clubs fighting relegation in SPL Roshn League’s final round
Updated 28 min 33 sec ago
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Three clubs fighting relegation in SPL Roshn League’s final round

Three clubs fighting relegation in SPL Roshn League’s final round
  • Two out of the three clubs — Al-Wehda, Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah — will be relegated to join Al-Raed
  • Al-Wehda will stay in the league if they win or draw against Al-Ettifaq in Dammam

RIYADH: Three clubs — Al-Wehda, Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah — will be fighting relegation during the Saudi Pro League (Roshn League) final round on Monday with matches being played simultaneously.

Two out of the three clubs will join Al-Raed, who have already been relegated to the first division. As things stand, Al-Wehda is in 15th place with 33 points, Al-Akhdood is in 16th place with 31 points and Al-Orobah is in 17th place with 30 points.

Al-Wehda will stay in the league if they win or draw against Al-Ettifaq in Dammam. A loss means they will need both Al-Akhdood and Al-Orobah to also lose or draw.

Al-Akhdood must beat Al-Khaleej and hope that Al-Wehda lose, as that would keep Al-Akhdood in the SPL for another new season.

Al-Orobah has the most difficult task. They need to beat Al-Taawoun in Al-Jouf and then hope that both Al-Wehda and Al-Akhdood lose. If that happens, Al-Orobah will move above Al-Akhdood in points and tie with Al-Wehda.

In that case, Al-Orobah would survive because they have a better head-to-head record against Al-Wehda — losing the first match 2–1 but winning the second 4–2.