Singapore Airlines Offers Compensation to Passengers on Severely Turbulent Flight

Singapore Airlines has extended compensation offers to passengers aboard a flight that experienced severe turbulence last month, resulting in dozens of injuries and one fatality, the carrier announced on Tuesday.

Compensation Details

Passengers who sustained minor injuries have been offered $10,000, while those with serious injuries can negotiate compensation tailored to their specific needs. For passengers requiring long-term medical care due to serious injuries, the airline is offering an advance payment of $25,000 to address immediate needs, which will be included in any final settlement.

Incident Overview

A 73-year-old passenger died of a suspected heart attack, and many others were injured after flight SQ321 from London to Singapore encountered sudden, extreme turbulence over Myanmar. The flight diverted and made an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand.

Passengers reported that crew members and unbelted individuals were thrown into the cabin ceiling, causing it to crack in several places. A hospital in Bangkok treating the injured passengers reported spinal cord, brain, and skull injuries.

Medical Care and Updates

As of June 4, more than two weeks after the May 20 incident, 20 passengers were still receiving medical treatment in Bangkok hospitals. Singapore Airlines has not yet provided an updated figure for the number of passengers still under care.

Refunds and Additional Compensation

Singapore Airlines stated that it would refund airfares for all passengers on the flight and provide delay compensation in accordance with European Union or British regulations.

Preliminary Findings

A preliminary report by Singapore’s Transport Ministry indicated that a rapid change in gravitational force and a 54-meter (177-foot) altitude drop likely caused passengers and crew to become airborne. The plane was reportedly flying over an area of “developing convective activity,” indicating bad weather.

Flight Details

The flight carried 211 passengers, including many Australians, British, and Singaporeans, and 18 crew members. Among the injured were five Filipinos.

Safety Practices Highlighted

The incident has brought seatbelt practices into focus, as airlines typically allow passengers to unfasten seatbelts during normal cruise conditions, although it is recommended to keep them fastened.