SINGAPORE- Singapore Airlines (SQ) has offered compensation to passengers of flight SQ321, which encountered severe turbulence resulting in the death of one passenger and several injuries.
In a statement on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, SIA confirmed that on Monday, it sent out compensation offers to those affected by the May 21 flight incident.
Singapore Airlines Turbulence Compensation
“For passengers who sustained minor injuries, we have offered US$10,000 in compensation. For those who sustained more serious injuries, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer,” the company stated.
Additionally, passengers with serious injuries requiring long-term medical care were offered an advance payment of $25,000 if they requested financial assistance. This amount will be part of the final compensation they receive, the airline added.
The flight bound for Singapore departed from London on May 20. Approximately 10 hours after departure, the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft encountered severe turbulence while flying over Thai airspace, believed to be caused by entering an air pocket.
According to investigators, the aircraft suddenly dropped 54 meters (178 feet) in less than five seconds, resulting in injuries to some of the 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board.
Following the incident, the flight was compelled to make an emergency landing in Bangkok. Unfortunately, a 73-year-old British national was confirmed dead due to a suspected heart attack.
Another 104 passengers sustained injuries, as reported by a press officer for Bangkok’s Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital to the Associated Press in May.
New Seat Belt Policy
Last week, SIA confirmed that 20 passengers from the flight were still receiving medical care in Bangkok hospitals. The airline stated it was covering medical expenses for injured passengers and crew, arranging for their family members and loved ones to travel to Bangkok as needed.
Singapore’s flagship carrier announced on Tuesday that all passengers from the May 20 flight would receive a full refund, regardless of whether they were injured.
Additionally, each passenger on the flight received 1,000 Singapore dollars (about $740) to cover immediate expenses upon departing from Bangkok, in addition to delay compensation as per European Union or United Kingdom regulations.
In response to the incident, Singapore Airlines has implemented a more cautious seat belt policy and discontinued hot drink and meal services when seat belt signs are on.
While turbulence-related accidents are the most common type experienced by commercial airlines, severe injuries from flight turbulence are considered rare, according to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
SIA stated in May that it was fully cooperating with an investigation into the incident by the Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau and other relevant authorities.
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