Image source, Getty Images
- author, Joao da Silva
- Role, Business reporter
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Singapore Airlines has offered to pay compensation to those who were injured on a flight from London to Singapore that encountered severe turbulence.
The airline said it would pay $10,000 (£7,800) to those with minor injuries. In a post on Facebook.
For passengers with more serious injuries, the airline is offering “an advance payment of $25,000 to address their immediate needs” and further discussions to accommodate their “special circumstances.”
A 73-year-old British passenger died and dozens were injured when flight SQ 321 encountered turbulence over Myanmar and was diverted to Thailand in May.
Singapore Airlines has not yet responded to a BBC News request for more information on how many people are eligible for these payments.
More than a hundred people who were in SQ 321 were treated in a Bangkok hospital after the accident.
Passengers described how crew members and those not wearing seat belts were blown away and hit the cabin ceiling.
A Bangkok hospital where the passengers were being treated said there were injuries to the spinal cord, head and muscles.
There were 211 passengers – including many Britons, Australians and Singaporeans – There were 18 crew members on board the Boeing 777-300ER at the time of the accident.
The company said it would offer the full ticket price to all passengers on board, including those who did not suffer any injuries.
Furthermore, Singapore Airlines said passengers will receive delay compensation in accordance with EU or UK regulations.
The airline also offered S$1,000 (US$739, £580) to all passengers to cover immediate expenses and arranged for their loved ones to travel to the Thai capital upon request.
Under international regulations, airlines must provide compensation when passengers are injured or die while on board.
The accident has drawn attention to seat belt practices, as airlines typically allow passengers to unbuckle their belts during normal flight conditions.
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