Singapore Airlines compensates passengers after turbulence

Singapore Airlines has offered compensation to passengers who were injured after encountering severe turbulence during a flight last month.

A 73-year-old man died, presumably of a heart attack, and more than 50 others were injured in severe turbulence during a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore on May 20.

The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board crashed almost 1,800 meters over the west coast of Myanmar and had to be diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing.

“Singapore Airlines (SIA) deeply apologizes to all passengers for the traumatic experience on board flight SQ321 on 20 May 2024,” the airline said in a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday.

The airline confirmed that passengers will be offered compensation.

“We have offered $10,000 in compensation to passengers who sustained minor injuries in the incident,” the airline wrote.

“We have invited those who suffered more serious injuries in the incident to discuss a compensation offer that suits their individual circumstances if they feel comfortable and willing to do so.”

The airline is offering an upfront payment of $25,000 to passengers who, after a medical examination, have suffered serious injuries that require long-term medical treatment and who request financial assistance to cover their immediate needs.

In addition, the airline said it was offering a full refund of the fare to all passengers on flight SQ321, including those who did not suffer any injuries, and that all passengers would be provided with US$1,000 to cover their immediate expenses in Bangkok.

“All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or United Kingdom rules.”

The airline said it also covered the medical costs of injured passengers and arranged flights to Bangkok for their family members and relatives upon request.