Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced on Tuesday that it has offered $10,000 (approximately Ksh.1,292,500) in compensation to passengers who experienced minor injuries during a flight affected by severe turbulence last month.
The incident occurred on flight SQ321 from London to Singapore, resulting in the death of a 73-year-old British man and causing skull, brain, and spine injuries to several passengers and crew.
Following the terrifying ordeal, the pilots diverted the Singapore-bound Boeing 777-300ER carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew to Bangkok, where the injured individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment.
In its statement, SIA disclosed that it had contacted affected passengers via email and offered compensation of $10,000 to those who sustained minor injuries during the turbulence. The airline also indicated its willingness to discuss higher payouts with passengers who suffered more severe injuries.
“For those who sustained more serious injuries… 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,” the airline said.
“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, the carrier said it would refund the airfares of all passengers on the flight, including those who were not injured.
“All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or United Kingdom regulations,” it said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 11 passengers from the flight were still undergoing treatment in hospitals in Bangkok, according to a spokesperson from Singapore Airlines (SIA) who spoke to AFP.
It’s worth noting that under the Montreal Convention, airlines are held liable for damages resulting from injuries or death of passengers that occur while on an airplane.
“The compensation amounts are determined by the severity of each passenger’s injuries, based on the information provided thus far by the respective medical institutions,” the spokesperson said.
“We recognise that passengers with more serious injuries may require further support tailored to their individual circumstances.”
Singapore Airlines (SIA) previously provided Sg$1,000 ($740) to each passenger departing Bangkok for their final destination to cover immediate expenses. Additionally, the airline has been covering the medical expenses of the injured passengers and has facilitated the travel of their family members to Bangkok upon request.
“SIA remains committed to supporting the affected passengers who were on board SQ321,” the airline stated.
According to Singapore’s transport ministry, a sudden 54-meter (177-foot) altitude drop caused unbelted passengers on the flight to be violently thrown inside the cabin. The ministry cited a preliminary report by Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, which indicated that the aircraft experienced a “rapid change” in gravitational force, or G-force, while passing over the south of Myanmar.
The investigation team comprised experts from the TSIB, the US National Transportation Safety Board, the US Federal Aviation Administration, and the plane’s manufacturer, Boeing.
