Singapore Airlines has confirmed that it will offer compensation to passengers of a flight that encountered severe turbulence last month, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to several others. The incident occurred on a Boeing 777 jet flying from London to Singapore, which experienced sudden turbulence over the Irrawaddy basin on May 20. The airline has offered $10,000 in compensation to passengers with minor injuries and will provide $25,000 to those with serious injuries requiring long-term medical care.
In addition to the compensation, Singapore Airlines has stated that it will provide full air fare refunds to all passengers on the flight, regardless of whether they were injured or not. Passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with European Union or U.K. regulations. The airline has already given each passenger 1,000 Singapore dollars ($739) for their immediate needs, covered medical expenses for injured passengers, and arranged for family members to travel to Bangkok where requested.
A preliminary investigation by Singapore’s Transport Ministry revealed that the plane experienced significant swings in g-force in less than five seconds, likely causing injuries to passengers who were not buckled into their seats. The aircraft dropped 178 feet in less than one second, leading to passengers becoming airborne before falling back down. The turbulence was believed to have occurred while meals were being served and when many passengers were not using their seat belts, resulting in injuries and chaos on board.
While the cause of the turbulence remains unclear, officials have highlighted the dangers of clear air turbulence, which can occur in various weather conditions, including clear skies or during thunderstorms. According to a report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, turbulence accounted for a high percentage of aviation accidents between 2009 and 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported 146 serious injuries from turbulence incidents between 2009 and 2021, emphasizing the importance of seat belt usage and passenger safety during flights.
Singapore Airlines has taken responsibility for the incident and has offered compensation and support to affected passengers and their families. The airline’s response includes financial assistance for medical expenses and long-term care for seriously injured passengers, as well as refunds and additional compensation for all passengers on the flight. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks of air travel and the importance of safety measures to prevent injuries during flights.
