Singapore Airlines has announced compensation measures for passengers affected by the extreme turbulence incident that occurred last month on one of its flights from London to Singapore. The Boeing 777 jet, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, encountered sudden turbulence over the Irrawaddy basin on May 20, resulting in the tragic death of one passenger and injuring numerous others.
The airline revealed that it has offered $10,000 in compensation to passengers with minor injuries, while those with more serious injuries have been invited to discuss a compensation package tailored to their specific circumstances. For individuals requiring long-term medical care, an advance payment of $25,000 has been allocated to address immediate needs, forming part of the final compensation package.
In addition to monetary compensation, Singapore Airlines has committed to providing full airfare refunds to all passengers, irrespective of injury status, and delay compensation in compliance with European Union or U.K. regulations. Furthermore, the airline has disbursed $1,000 Singapore dollars ($739) to each passenger for immediate needs, covered medical expenses for the injured, and facilitated travel arrangements for family members to join them in Bangkok, where necessary.
Preliminary investigations by Singapore’s Transport Ministry have suggested that the aircraft experienced significant g-force fluctuations in a brief period, likely leading to injuries among passengers who were not securely fastened in their seats. The turbulence occurred during meal service when many passengers were not wearing seat belts, exacerbating the severity of the incident.
The cause of the turbulence remains unclear, although experts note that clear air turbulence, which can occur without visible weather disturbances, poses significant risks to aviation safety. Statistics from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board highlight turbulence as a leading cause of accidents in commercial aviation, underscoring the importance of precautionary measures and passenger safety protocols.
As Singapore Airlines continues to address the aftermath of this rare and tragic event, passengers and industry stakeholders await further insights into the circumstances surrounding the turbulence incident and anticipate enhanced safety measures to mitigate similar risks in the future.
