Singapore Airlines compensates 211 passengers after turbulence on SQ321 flight

• Singapore Airlines offers compensation and full airfare refund to 211 passengers 
• Passengers with minor injuries receive USD 10,000
• Passengers with serious injuries receive an advance payment of USD 25,000

Singapore Airlines on Tuesday announced monetary compensation and a full refund of airfare to the 211 passengers onboard flight SQ321, which encountered extreme turbulence last month. The incident resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to dozens of others.

Incident Details

On May 21, Flight SQ321, traveling from London to Singapore, faced severe turbulence, causing passengers and crew to be thrown to the plane's ceiling before falling back down. The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, made an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. The turbulence led to the death of one man and injured many others.

Singapore Airlines' Response

In a statement, Singapore Airlines (SIA) revealed that compensation offers were sent to passengers on Monday. Those with minor injuries were offered USD 10,000 (SGD 13,500) in compensation. The airline also stated, “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.”

Passengers with serious injuries requiring long-term medical care and financial assistance are being offered an advance payment of USD 25,000 to address their immediate needs. This amount will be part of the final compensation these passengers will receive.

Additionally, all passengers of Flight SQ321, including those uninjured, will receive a full refund of their airfare and delay compensation under European Union or United Kingdom regulations. However, no mention of compensation for the 18 crew members onboard was made.