Singapore Airlines has offered to pay compensation to passengers who were injured on a London to Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence in May. The airline group said on Facebook it was offering to pay $10,000 (£7,800) to those who sustained minor injuries. For passengers with more serious injuries, the airline is offering “an advance payment of $25,000 to address their immediate needs” and further discussions to meet “their specific circumstances”. One British passenger died and dozens more were injured when flight SQ 321 encountered turbulence over Myanmar and was diverted to Thailand.
The airline’s statement said:
“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.
“SIA can confirm that we have sent out the offers of compensation to the passengers on 10 June 2024. For passengers who sustained minor injuries from the incident, we have offered US$10,000 in compensation. 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 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.
“We provided all passengers with S$1,000 each to meet their 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.
“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.
SIA remains committed to supporting the affected passengers who were on board SQ321.”
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