Singapore Airlines turbulence victims offered payouts

Singapore Airlines has offered to pay compensation to those who were injured on a London to Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence.

Singapore Airlines is compensating passengers injured on flight SQ 321, which encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar and diverted to Thailand in May. The airline will pay $10,000 (£7,800) to those with minor injuries and $25,000 to those with more serious injuries as an advance. A 73-year-old British passenger died, and dozens were injured during the incident, which saw the plane drop 178 feet in 4.6 seconds.

More than 100 passengers received treatment at a Bangkok hospital, with injuries including spinal cord, head, and muscle injuries. The flight had 211 passengers and 18 crew members. All passengers, including those uninjured, will receive a full fare refund, delay compensation according to EU or UK regulations, and S$1,000 ($739; £580) for immediate expenses. Singapore Airlines also arranged for loved ones to travel to Bangkok where needed.

This incident highlights the importance of seatbelt use, even during normal cruise conditions. Under international regulations, airlines must offer compensation for injuries or deaths occurring on board.