Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced Tuesday that it has offered $10,000 (sh.1,292,500) in compensation to passengers who suffered minor injuries during a flight that encountered severe turbulence last month.
The airline also stated that it would discuss higher compensation with passengers who were more severely injured.
The incident, which occurred on flight SQ321 from London to Singapore, resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British man and left several other passengers and crew members with skull, brain, and spine injuries.
The pilots diverted the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to Bangkok, where the injured were taken to hospitals.
SIA mentioned that passengers with serious injuries requiring long-term medical care would receive an advance payment of US$25,000 to address their immediate needs, which would be part of their final compensation.
The airline also announced that it would refund the airfares of all passengers on the flight, regardless of whether they were injured or not, and provide delay compensation in accordance with relevant regulations.
Currently, 11 passengers from the flight are still receiving treatment in hospitals in Bangkok.
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for damages for the injury or death of passengers while on an airplane.
SIA reiterated its commitment to supporting affected passengers and has provided immediate expenses and medical support, including arranging for family members to travel to Bangkok when requested.
Singapore’s transport ministry stated that a sudden 54-meter (177-foot) altitude drop caused unbelted passengers to be violently thrown inside the cabin.
A preliminary report by Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, which included experts from various agencies, highlighted a rapid change in gravitational force experienced by the aircraft while passing over the south of Myanmar.
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