Singapore airlines to compensate turbulence-affected passengers

PTC Web Desk: Singapore Airlines extended offers of compensation to passengers on a flight last month that encountered severe turbulence, resulting in dozens of injuries and one death, the airline announced on Tuesday.

According to the airline, passengers with minor injuries have been offered $10,000, while those with serious injuries can consider an offer tailored to their specific needs.

"Passengers medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance are offered an advance payment of $25,000 to address their immediate needs," that will form part of any final settlement, the airlines said.

A 73-year-old passenger died of a suspected heart attack, and many were injured when flight SQ321 from London to Singapore encountered what the airline described as abrupt, intense turbulence over Myanmar. It diverted and landed in Bangkok, Thailand.

Passengers reported that the crew and those not strapped in left the floor or their seats and slammed into the cabin ceiling, shattering it in places. A Bangkok hospital treating passengers reported spinal cord, brain, and skull injuries.

According to the airline, 20 passengers were still receiving medical care in Bangkok hospitals on June 4, more than two weeks after the May 20 trip. 

Singapore Airlines stated that it would refund tickets for every passenger on the plane and provide delay compensation in compliance with European Union and British regulations.

According to a preliminary report from Singapore's Transport Ministry, a fast shift in gravitational pull and a 54-metre (177-foot) altitude decrease most likely led passengers and crew to become airborne.

It stated that the plane was most likely travelling over an area of "developing convective activity," which refers to the development of poor weather.

The flight carried 211 passengers, including numerous Australians, British, and Singaporeans, as well as 18 staff members.