SIA offers $13,500 as compensation to SQ321 passengers with minor injuries

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has sent out offers of compensation to passengers on board the turbulence-hit SQ321, with those who suffered minor injuries being offered US$10,000 (S$13,500).

- Agqil Hamzah and Kok Yufeng

The national carrier said in a Facebook post on June 11 that those who had more serious injuries were invited to discuss compensation offers that would “meet their specific circumstances”.

It added that it has offered US$25,000 as an advance payment for passengers who suffered serious injuries that require long-term medical care and are requesting financial help.

The payment will address their immediate needs and be part of the final compensation they receive.

Besides compensation, SIA said it will also provide a full refund of the airfare to all passengers who were on the flight, which experienced “sudden extreme turbulence” over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar on May 21 as the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft made its way to Singapore from London.

The pilot declared a medical emergency and landed the plane at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

A British passenger, 73-year-old Geoffrey Kitchen, died of a suspected heart attack, while dozens of others were injured.

There were 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, and the injured were taken to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital and Bangkok Hospital for treatment.

The refund will also be given to passengers who were not injured.

SIA said there will also be “delay compensation” given, in line with regulations in either the European Union or Britain.

Under these regulations, passengers may be entitled to financial compensation if their flight is delayed on arrival by three hours or more.