In a recent Facebook announcement, the airline stated its commitment to providing compensation to passengers who sustained injuries during the flight. Specifically, Singapore Airlines pledged to offer $10,000 (£7,800) to individuals with minor injuries. For those passengers who suffered more severe injuries, the airline has initiated immediate assistance by providing an advance payment of $25,000 to address their urgent needs. Additionally, Singapore Airlines expressed its willingness to engage in further discussions to tailor support according to the specific circumstances of affected individuals.
Tragically, the turbulence encountered during flight SQ 321 resulted in the loss of a 73-year-old British passenger and left numerous others injured. Following the incident, the flight was diverted to Thailand from Myanmar.
While Singapore Airlines has announced its compensation plan, there has been no official response regarding the exact number of individuals entitled to receive these payments. Reports indicate that over a hundred passengers from flight SQ 321 received medical treatment at a hospital in Bangkok in the aftermath of the turbulence.
Preliminary investigations into the incident revealed that the aircraft experienced sudden and drastic changes in altitude, with a rapid acceleration and descent of approximately 178 feet (54 meters) over a span of 4.6 seconds. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos onboard, describing how passengers, including those without seatbelts, were thrown and collided with the cabin ceiling during the turbulence.