Singapore Airlines Offers $10,000 Payout To Passengers For Turbulence Injuries

Singapore Airlines has announced a compensation initiative for passengers impacted by severe turbulence on a recent flight from London to Singapore.

The airline has said, via a post on social media, that it will payout $10,000 (approximately £7,800) to those who experienced minor injuries. For those who suffered more serious injuries, the airline is offering an “advance payment of $25,000 to address their immediate needs” with the intention of engaging in further discussion.

The turbulence incident, which occurred over Myanmar and required an emergency landing in Thailand in May, resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British passenger and injuries to several others.

To date, Singapore Airlines has not stated the number of individuals eligible for the compensation.

Following the event, over a hundred passengers from flight SQ 321 were admitted to a hospital in Bangkok for treatment. Initial investigations have revealed that the aircraft experienced sudden altitude changes, descending approximately 178 feet (54 meters) in just 4.6 seconds. Passengers recounted a harrowing experience where unsecured crew members and passengers were hurled upwards, striking the cabin’s ceiling.

The Bangkok hospital treating the injured people reported various injuries, including spinal cord, head, and muscle injuries.

The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft involved in the incident was carrying 211 passengers — including a significant number of British, Australian, and Singaporean nationals — and 18 crew members.

In addition to addressing the injuries, Singapore Airlines has committed to refunding the full fare for all passengers on the flight, regardless of whether they sustained injuries.

Singapore Airlines has also allocated S$1,000 (£580) per passenger for immediate expenses and has made arrangements for family members to travel to Bangkok as needed.

According to international aviation regulations, airlines are obligated to offer compensation in cases where passengers sustain injuries or lose their lives during a flight.

This incident has also sparked a discussion on seatbelt usage during flights, as it is common practice for airlines to permit passengers to unbuckle during periods of smooth flying.

Compensation claims for injuries sustained during a flight

If you’re injured during a flight, you may be able to make a claim against the airline. This right is governed by the Montreal Convention 1999. This imposes a liability for personal injuries or death during a flight or when a passenger is getting on or off a plane.

The most common in-flight injuries include:

If you sustain an injury during a flight, it is important to:

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Report the injury to the cabin crew
• Document the incident and your injury
• Collect evidence, including witness contact information and photographs
• Retain all related documentation, such as medical reports and receipts

To initiate a claim, you should:

You can claim for compensation to cover:

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.