Singapore Airlines Offers Compensation to Turbulence-Affected Travelers

Last month, Singapore Airlines experienced so much turbulence on one of its flights that it caused the death of a passenger and injured more than 70 others.

On the Singapore Airlines Facebook page, there was a post stating that the Boeing 777-300ER airliner had altered course to Bangkok. It revealed that there were 18 staff members and 211 passengers on board.

Flight SQ321, operated by Singapore Airlines on May 20, 2024, from London (Heathrow) to Singapore, “encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet about 10 hours after departure.” As a result, the pilot of the airplane reported a medical emergency and decided to divert to Bangkok.

It was then reported that 12 additional passengers received treatment in addition to the 18 hospitalized passengers. The remaining travelers and staff members were being checked out at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport and treated if needed.

According to the airline, 11 passengers are still receiving medical attention in Bangkok hospitals three weeks after the trip on May 20. After experiencing what the airline described as abrupt, severe turbulence while flying over Myanmar, flight SQ321 suffered dozens of injuries and the death of a 73-year-old passenger from a suspected heart attack.

Now, according to Reuters, the airline is offering its passengers $10,000 for those suffering minor injuries, while those with more serious injuries are encouraged to discuss offers to meet their specific needs.

“Passengers medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance are offered an advance payment of $25,000 to address their immediate needs,” the airline said in a statement while making clear that the larger payout would be part and parcel of a larger settlement offered by the airline.

Regardless of whether they were at fault, airlines are held accountable for bodily harm resulting from turbulence-related incidents on international flights under the terms of the Montreal Convention, per the outlet.

In the event that customers file a lawsuit, the airline cannot fight damages up to approximately $175,000; however, attorneys argue that if higher damages are requested, Singapore Airlines may attempt to restrict liability by demonstrating that it took all reasonable precautions to avoid the turbulence.

Passengers are urged to speak with an attorney to fully understand their rights and responsibilities under the terms of a potential settlement.