Singapore Airlines Compensates Turbulence-Affected Passengers

Photo : Reuters

Singapore Airlines has made offers of compensation to passengers affected by a flight last month that encountered severe turbulence, resulting in dozens of injuries and one fatality, the carrier revealed on Tuesday.

According to the airline, passengers with minor injuries have been offered $10,000 in compensation, while those with more serious injuries have been invited to discuss an offer tailored to meet their specific needs.

"For passengers assessed as having sustained severe injuries necessitating prolonged medical care and requesting financial assistance, an advance payment of $25,000 is being offered to address immediate needs, forming part of any final settlement," the airline stated.

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The turbulence incident occurred on flight SQ321 from London to Singapore while flying over Myanmar, resulting in a 73-year-old passenger's suspected heart attack-related death and numerous injuries. The flight was forced to divert and make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand.

Accounts from passengers described a harrowing scene as individuals not secured in their seats were propelled upwards, crashing into the cabin ceiling, causing damage. Hospitals in Bangkok treating the injured reported spinal cord, brain, and skull injuries among the casualties.

As of June 4, over two weeks post the May 20 flight, 20 passengers remained hospitalized in Bangkok for continued medical treatment, as per the airline's update. However, an updated figure was not immediately available upon request.

Singapore Airlines has pledged to refund airfares for all passengers aboard the affected flight, and they will also receive delay compensation as per regulations in the European Union or Britain.

A preliminary report from Singapore's Transport Ministry attributed the incident to a sudden change in gravitational force and a 54-meter altitude drop, which likely caused passengers and crew to become airborne. The report suggested the aircraft was flying over an area experiencing developing convective activity, indicating adverse weather conditions.

The flight, carrying 211 passengers, including many Australians, British, and Singaporeans, along with 18 crew members, has brought attention to seatbelt practices. While airlines typically allow passengers to unbuckle during normal cruising, the incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols, even in seemingly stable conditions.

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