The Court of Appeal for Ontario has ruled that families of Flight PS752 victims must receive compensation from the airline.On January 8, 2020, the Ukraine International Airlines plane was shot down by Iranian missiles shortly after taking off from Tehran.All 176 people on board were killed, among them 55 Canadians, 30 permanent residents, and numerous others with ties to the great white north.The airline was found to be negligent for failing to properly assess the risks associated with flying out of Tehran, with the court adding that this meant there was no limit to how much compensation could be paid to victims' families.UIA appealed the ruling, but that was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on Monday.CFM Lawyers LLP and Howie Sacks & Henry, who jointly represent the families of 21 passengers killed on the flight, called the decision "an important result for our clients who lost loved ones in the downing of Flight 752," adding that, "the ruling of the Court of Appeal brings a small measure of justice for the families.""This is a landmark decision in the world of aviation," lawyers Paul Miller and Jamie Thornback added. "At a time of heightened conflicts around the world, the judgment sends a clear message to international airlines that open airspace cannot be assumed to be safe airspace. Airlines must exercise extreme caution and diligence when operating in or near a conflict zone."Iran has not admitted responsibility, though proceedings are underway under international law to prosecute those responsible.
