Singapore: Singapore Airlines is offering compensation to passengers injured during severe turbulence that resulted in one death and dozens of hospitalizations.
Passengers who suffered minor injuries have been offered $10,000, while those who were more seriously hurt have been invited to discuss a compensation offer specific to their circumstances, the airline said on Tuesday.
According to the airline, travellers in need of long-term medical care might also receive a $25,000 advance payment to cover their immediate needs.
In accordance with UK and EU legislation, all passengers—including those who did not sustain injuries—have also been extended an offer of a complete reimbursement of their airfare and compensation for delays.
“Singapore Airlines (SIA) deeply apologises to all passengers for the traumatic experience on board flight SQ321 on 20 May 2024. We are committed to providing our full support and assistance during this time,” the airline said in a statement.
On May 20, as flight SQ321 was pelted by intense turbulence above Myanmar, a 73-year-old British man passed away from what appeared to be a heart attack, while numerous other passengers suffered injuries.
The plane was travelling from London to Singapore when the mishap occurred, forcing an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand.
Last month, the Ministry of Transport in Singapore announced that preliminary inquiry results indicated that passengers who had not fastened their seatbelts had injuries after becoming airborne as a result of “rapid changes” in gravitational force and a 54-meter drop in height.