Singapore Airlines makes $10,000 compensation offer after turbulence incident

Following a catastrophic turbulence incident in May, in which one man died and dozens of passengers were injured, Singapore Airlines has set out its compensation offer.

Under the terms of the Montreal convention, airlines must pay damages when passengers are injured or killed in the air. Accordingly, the flag carrier has contacted flyers who were on the SQ321 service from London to Singapore on 20 May, with an offer of US$10,000 for those who suffered minor injuries in the event, which saw the airline lose 54 metres in altitude in less than five seconds, sending passengers crashing into the Boeing 777-300ER’s cabin ceiling.

104 people among the 229 people on board were injured and a 73-year-old British man died, it is thought of a heart attack, during the terrifying ordeal. Many were able to continue their journey after initial assessment, but 20 went on gurneys from the aircraft into intensive care in Bangkok, where the plane emergency landed. At the time of writing, 11 of those injured are still in hospital, including one who remains without feeling in her lower body.

In addition to the US$10,000 compensation figure for minor injuries, all passengers are being refunded the cost of the flight, on top of any compensation for delays they are entitled to under European Union and United Kingdom regulations. The airline has already given S$1,000 (US$739) to every passenger “to meet their immediate expenses upon departure from Bangkok”, as well as covering medical bills and making the necessary arrangements for family to be with their loved ones.

When it comes to those who suffered more severe injuries, such as brain, skull and spinal damage, the airline said it had “invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so.” Part of that eventual package for flyers “medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance” would include “an advance payment of US$25,000 to address their immediate needs”, the carrier said.

Experienced pilots say the zone in the Bay of Bengal where the incident occurred is a known hotspot for turbulence due to converging trade winds around monsoon season. But climate experts say turbulence is likely to become more extreme with global warming. 

Since the incident, Singapore Airlines has issued stricter rules about wearing seatbelts and in-flight catering, and has banned the service of hot drinks and meals while the fasten seatbelt sign is on. It remains to be seen if more airlines will follow suit.