Singapore Airlines (SIA) stated that it had provided compensation of US$10,000 (RM47,160) to passengers who experienced minor injuries during a flight affected by severe turbulence last month.
The airline also mentioned that it would engage in discussions regarding higher compensation amounts with those passengers who were more severely injured.
During the turbulent flight, which was SQ321 from London to Singapore, a 73-year-old British man tragically passed away, while several other passengers and crew members suffered injuries to the skull, brain, and spine. The pilots decided to divert the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to Bangkok, where the injured individuals were transported to hospitals.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, SIA reported that it had contacted passengers via email, offering US$10,000 in compensation to those who sustained minor injuries during the incident.
“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 (RM117,910) 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 yesterday afternoon, a spokesperson from SIA mentioned that 11 passengers from the flight were still undergoing treatment in hospitals in Bangkok.
According to the Montreal Convention, airlines are responsible for compensating passengers for injuries or fatalities that occur while on an aircraft.
“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.”
SIA earlier gave S$1,000 (RM3,485) to each passenger departing Bangkok for their final destination to cover their immediate expenses.
It has also been shouldering the medical expenses of the injured passengers, and had arranged for their family members to fly to Bangkok when requested.
“SIA remains committed to supporting the affected passengers who were on board SQ321,” the airline said.
