At least they did now wait months and months like some other airlines…
Last month, a severe incident involving violent turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, which was en route from London to Singapore, resulted in injuries to over 100 passengers, some severe enough to require spinal surgeries. This traumatic event, which also included the diversion of the flight to Bangkok, Thailand, and the death of a 73-year-old British man due to a suspected heart attack during the turbulence, has prompted Singapore Airlines to take several compensatory actions.
Singapore Airlines has sent offers of compensation to passengers on board a flight last month that encountered severe turbulence that led to dozens of injuries and one death, the carrier said on Tuesday (June 11).
Read more at https://t.co/nC7aFqSM1D pic.twitter.com/LsI4RbFAWw
— The Star (@staronline) June 11, 2024
The flight, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, faced such intense turbulence that it necessitated medical treatment for more than half of its passengers, with at least 20 needing intensive care immediately after. In response, Singapore Airlines has announced a compensation strategy to address the physical and emotional distress caused to its passengers. The airline declared on a recent Tuesday that they would offer $10,000 USD to those who sustained injuries, with an additional provision for those who suffered serious injuries to negotiate further compensation based on their specific situations.
Singapore Airlines offers compensation to passengers injured during severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore last month pic.twitter.com/D1INqsRgjI
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) June 11, 2024
For passengers requiring long-term medical care, the airline has proactively offered an advance payment of $25,000 USD to help with their immediate needs. This gesture extends beyond just covering medical expenses as the airline has also assisted in flying family members of the injured to Bangkok to be near their loved ones. Furthermore, Singapore Airlines is refunding the fare for all the passengers on the flight, not just the injured, acknowledging the widespread impact of the incident. They have also provided an additional $1,000 to each passenger for expenses incurred due to the unscheduled stop in Bangkok.
Passenger injured on Singapore Airlines plane that left man dead says he can’t work after turbulent flight https://t.co/jugVv1obME pic.twitter.com/g3XMkp8nke
— New York Post (@nypost) June 2, 2024
The turbulence occurred approximately 10 hours into the flight as the aircraft was passing over the Andaman Sea near the Thai coast. Flight tracking data revealed a rapid descent from 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet within a five-minute span. The region was experiencing thunderstorms at the time, a common cause of turbulence. However, experts suggest that broader environmental factors like the rapid warming of the world’s oceans due to climate change could also be contributing to an increase in such turbulent incidents.
Major Points:
- Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 experienced severe turbulence on its route from London to Singapore, resulting in over 100 injured passengers and one fatality.
- The flight was diverted to Bangkok, where more than 100 passengers received medical treatment, and at least 20 were placed in intensive care.
- In response, Singapore Airlines has offered $10,000 USD in compensation to injured passengers, with additional negotiations available for those severely affected.
- The airline is also providing a $25,000 USD advance for those needing long-term medical care, covering all passengers’ airfare, and an extra $1,000 for expenses due to the diversion.
- The turbulence incident, exacerbated by thunderstorms and potentially linked to climate change, highlights increasing concerns over flight safety in changing global conditions.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News