SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines announced on Tuesday that it has offered $10,000 in compensation to passengers who sustained minor injuries during a flight that encountered severe turbulence last month. The airline will discuss higher compensation amounts with those who suffered more serious injuries.
A 73-year-old British passenger died, and several others, including crew members, sustained serious injuries such as skull, brain, and spine injuries during the turbulent flight SQ321 from London.
The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was diverted to Bangkok, where the injured were taken to hospitals.
In a statement, Singapore Airlines confirmed that emails offering $10,000 in compensation had been sent to passengers with minor injuries. The airline invited those with more severe injuries to discuss individualized compensation when they are ready.
“For those with serious injuries requiring long-term medical care, we are offering an advance payment of $25,000 to cover immediate needs. This will be part of the final compensation,” the statement read.
Additionally, the airline will refund the airfare of all passengers, including those not injured, and provide delay compensation in accordance with European Union and United Kingdom regulations.
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for damages for the injury or death of passengers while onboard an aircraft. Previously, Singapore Airlines provided SG$1,000 ($740) to each passenger departing Bangkok to cover immediate expenses and has covered medical costs for injured passengers.
The airline has also arranged for family members of the injured to travel to Bangkok upon request.
“SIA remains committed to supporting the affected passengers who were on board SQ321,” the airline stated.
Singapore’s transport ministry reported that the aircraft experienced a sudden 54-meter (177-foot) altitude drop, causing unbelted passengers to be thrown violently within the cabin. The incident, which occurred while the plane was passing over southern Myanmar, involved a rapid change in gravitational force or G-force.
The investigation into the incident is being conducted by a team from the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore, along with experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board, the US Federal Aviation Administration, and Boeing.
