Singapore Airlines changes seatbelt policy after fatal turbulence incident

May 24 (UPI) – Singapore Airlines announced that the airline is making changes to its in-flight seatbelt policy after a passenger died on board one of its flights earlier this week.

The Singaporean airline will no longer offer hot drinks and meals during a flight when the fasten seatbelt sign is illuminated, the airline told CNBC in a statement.

Advertising

The suspension of service while the seatbelt sign is illuminated is part of a “more cautious approach” to all onboard service.

“Crew members will continue to instruct passengers to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts. They will also look for passengers who may require assistance, including those in the lavatories,” the airline’s statement said.

The airline will also make changes to at least one of its long-haul routes after a British man died and dozens of other passengers were injured when “sudden extreme turbulence” struck a flight from London to Singapore on Tuesday. The 73-year-old reportedly suffered a heart attack mid-flight, prompting the pilot to declare a medical emergency.

Airline officials later said the man, who was traveling with his family, was suffering from a heart condition.

The Boeing 777-300ER was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew and had to be diverted to Bangkok after it encountered turbulence at 37,000 feet over Myanmar, causing passengers and crew to be thrown around in the cabin.

Singapore Airlines continues to operate its daily service between London and Singapore, but radar recordings show that the airline has now deviated from the part of Myanmar where turbulence occurred on Tuesday.

Several people involved in the fighting are still in the Thai capital.

“Singapore Airlines can confirm that 61 passengers and two crew members who were on board SQ321 are still in Bangkok. This includes 44 passengers and two crew members who are receiving medical treatment in hospital,” the airline confirmed in a statement on Friday.