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Singapore Airlines (SIA) has offered full refunds to all passengers on turbulence-hit flight SQ321, and compensation to the injured.
In a statement, the Singaporean flag carrier said it would pay US$10,000 (around $15,000) to passengers who suffered minor injuries on board the flight from London to Singapore last month, which hit turbulence over Myanmar and was forced to divert to Bangkok.
“For those who sustained more serious injuries from the incident, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so,” the airline said.
“Passengers medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance are offered an advance payment of US$25,000 to address their immediate needs. This will be part of the final compensation that these passengers will receive.
“In addition to the above, SIA will provide a full refund of the air fare to all passengers travelling on SQ321 on 20 May 2024, including those who did not suffer any injuries. All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or United Kingdom regulations.”
SIA added that all passengers had been given S$1,000 each to cover “immediate expenses” upon departure from Bangkok.
“SIA has also been covering the medical expenses of the injured passengers, and arranged for their family members and loved ones to fly up to Bangkok where requested,” the airline said.
“All affected passengers should have received their offers of compensation via email, along with information on how they may proceed with their claims. For any inquiries or further assistance, passengers may contact us using the provided details, and we will address these promptly.”
Forty-three passengers and crew were injured and an elderly British passenger suffered a fatal heart attack when the flight from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence in May. Fifty-six Australians were on board, at least eight of whom were hospitalised.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, though a preliminary report, which pieced together the sequence of events based on data from the 777-300ER’s two black boxes, was released by authorities late last month.
