Summary
- Singapore Airlines has publicly offered compensation packages to passengers affected by the severe turbulence incident.
- Passengers with minor injuries offered US$10,000, while those with severe injuries offered an advance payment of US$25,000.
- The airline is covering medical expenses, providing refunds and additional compensation for delays to all passengers of flight SQ321.
When severe and unexpected turbulence struck Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, one passenger died and dozens more were hospitalized, suffering injuries ranging from life-changing to more minor. Today, Singapore Airlines has announced a compensation package and reiterated its commitment to provide full support and assistance to all passengers traveling on the flight.
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Singapore Airlines has apologized for, and is working through, a dramatic air turbulence incident resulting in one death and multiple injuries.
A very public offer
Singapore Airlines publicly revealed the package this morning on Facebook and confirmed it had sent out compensation offers to the passengers on June 10, 2024. Passengers with minor injuries have been offered US$10,000 in compensation, while those with more severe injuries have been offered an advance payment of US$25,000. The crucial part of the airline’s statement said:
“For those who sustained more serious injuries from the incident, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they are well and ready to do so. Passengers medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance are offered an advance payment of US$25,000 to address their immediate needs. This will be part of the final compensation that these passengers will receive.”
The May 21 flight on a Boeing 777-300ER departed from London Heathrow and was heading for Singapore when it encountered violent turbulence near Myanmar. The sudden drop in altitude sent unbelted passengers flying in all directions around the cabin, with several passengers suffering skull, brain and spinal injuries.
Photo: Singapore Airlines
The 777 was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, and preliminary investigations by Singapore’s transport ministry said a rapid change in gravitational force and a 54-meter (177-foot) altitude drop likely caused passengers and crew to become airborne. It added that the jet was likely flying over an area of developing connective activity that gave passengers “mere seconds to react to the seat belt sign being switched on.”
SIA is looking after the injured
The aircraft was diverted to Bangkok, where the injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment. It is understood that around 20 passengers are still receiving treatment in Bangkok hospitals, and Singapore Airlines said it had arranged for their family members and loved ones to fly to Bangkok where requested.
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As a result, passengers will not be served hot drinks or meals when the seatbelt sign is on.
In the Facebook post, Singapore Airlines said it has also been covering the medical expenses of the injured passengers and is offering a full refund of the airfare to all passengers traveling on SQ321 that night, including those who were not injured.
Passengers will also be compensated for delays in line with the relevant European Union or United Kingdom regulations. This is in addition to the SG$1,000 ($740) the airline paid to each passenger to meet their immediate expenses upon departure from Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines said that all affected passengers should have received their compensation offers via email, along with information on how to proceed with their claims. The email also contains contact details for any passengers who may need assistance, which the airline said would be promptly addressed.
What do you think of how Singapore Airlines is handling this incident? Let us know in the comments.