Singapore Airlines passengers to get $10,000 for turbulence injuries, with greater compensation for more severe injuries.
Singapore Airlines has announced that passengers will receive $10,000 in compensation for injuries suffered during a flight that encountered extreme turbulence, which resulted in the death of a 73-year-old man.
Geoff Kitchen, a British father of two, suffered a suspected heart attack on flight SQ321, and several other passengers and crew sustained skull, brain, and spine injuries.
The Singapore-bound Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was diverted to Bangkok, where the injured were taken to hospitals.
On Tuesday, Singapore Airlines (SIA) stated that it had emailed passengers offering $10,000 for minor injuries, with discussions for higher compensation for those more severely hurt.
“For those with more serious injuries, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet their specific needs when they feel ready,” the airline said.
Passengers needing long-term medical care can request an advance payment of $25,000 to cover immediate needs, which will be part of their final compensation.
Additionally, the airline will refund fares for all passengers, including those uninjured, and provide delay compensation according to European Union or United Kingdom regulations.
As of Tuesday, 11 passengers were still receiving treatment in Bangkok hospitals, according to an SIA spokesperson.
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are liable for damages for passenger injury or death during a flight.
“Compensation amounts are determined by the severity of each passenger’s injuries, based on information from medical institutions,” the spokesperson said.
SIA previously provided Sg$1,000 (£580) to each passenger leaving Bangkok to cover immediate expenses and has covered the medical costs of the injured, arranging for family members to fly to Bangkok when needed
“SIA remains committed to supporting the affected passengers on flight SQ321,” the airline said.