KUALA LUMPUR – Singapore Airlines has sent offers of compensation to passengers on SQ321 that ran into unexpected turbulence on May 20 resulting in the death of one and many injured.
The republic’s flag carrier said the offers included US$10,000 (RM46,700) to those with minor injuries, advanced payments of US$25,000 to those requiring long-term medical care as a result of their injuries, and full refunds of the airfare to all passengers on the flight.
The offers were sent out yesterday via email, SIA said in a statement.
“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.”
Additionally, passengers who have been 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, the airline said.
“This will be part of the final compensation that these passengers will receive.”
As to the full refund of airfare to all passengers, this includes those who did not suffer any injuries, SIA said.
“All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or United Kingdom regulations.”
Other compensation SIA said it had given to passengers after the incident included S$1,000 (RM3,454) each for their immediate expenses upon departure from Bangkok, where the flight had been diverted.
“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.”
SQ321 was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members en route to Singapore from London when it hit extreme air turbulence over Thailand at an altitude of 11,277.6m, about 10 hours after take-off.
The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the Boeing 777-300ER to Bangkok, landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, at about 3.45pm local time.
The sole death on board the flight was of an elderly British man, while scores of passengers were injured, including from head and spinal injuries as those who did not have seat belts on during the turbulence were thrown upwards against the cabin’s ceiling. – June 11, 2024