Singapore Airlines Provides Compensation To Turbulence-Affected Passengers

Singapore Airlines said Tuesday that it has extended offers of compensation to passengers on a flight last month that experienced extreme turbulence, resulting in dozens of injuries and one death.

“Passengers with minor injuries have been offered $10,000 and those with serious injuries can discuss an offer to meet their specific needs”, Singapore Airlines noted.

“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 continued.

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

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

according to the airlines, as of June 4, 20 passengers were still receiving medical care in hospitals in Bangkok. It did not promptly respond to a request for an updated figure.

Singapore Airlines went on to say that it would refund airfares for all passengers on the flight and provide delay compensation in accordance with regulations in the European Union or Britain.

As per a preliminary report by Singapore’s Transport Ministry, a rapid change in gravitational force and a 54-metre (177-foot) altitude drop likely caused passengers and crew to become airborne.

“The plane was likely flying over an area of developing convective activity, a term referring to developing bad weather”, it continued.

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

The incident has brought seatbelt policies to the forefront in the spotlight, with airlines allowing passengers to undo belts during normal cruise conditions, while recommending them to wear them on.

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