Three weeks after a Singapore Airlines plane plunged 54 meters in just five seconds in a bout of extreme turbulence, the airline will provide monetary compensation to those injured during the deadly flight.
In a Facebook post, the airline apologized for a “traumatic experience” during the SQ321 flight on May 20, where one passenger died. It announced that passengers who sustained minor injuries will get $10,000, while those with more serious injuries will get an advance payment of $25,000 (with the possibility of receiving more). Singapore Airlines noted that passengers with serious injuries can discuss a compensation offer that suits their “specific circumstances” once they recover.
The airline is also refunding airfare for all passengers and added that it provided 1,000 Singapore dollars ($739) to cover expenses incurred “upon departure from Bangkok.”
The post did not detail whether the flight crew would get compensation. A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said the well-being of crew members on the affected SQ321 flight was the company’s “utmost priority,” and that the airline will ensure crew receive the necessary medical, psychological, and financial support.
Singapore Airlines will also pay compensation for flight delays and diversions, in accordance with European and U.K. regulations.
What happened on flight SQ321?
On May 20, Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, flying from London to Singapore, experienced severe turbulence over Myanmar. The turbulence caused dozens of injuries among the 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, with a 73-year-old man dying of a suspected heart attack.
Initial investigations found that the plane plunged 54 meters in less than five seconds. Passengers on the flight reported that people not wearing seat belts slammed into cabin ceilings as the plane descended. SQ321 made an emergency landing in Bangkok, with over 100 passengers treated at local hospitals.
Singapore Airlines has since altered its seat belt rules, including suspending meal and hot drinks services while the seat belt sign is on.
Update, June 11, 2024: This piece has been updated to include a statement from Singapore Airlines.
