Yahoo News Singapore Airlines Reveals Payouts To Passengers Injured In Severe Turbulence
Singapore Airlines is offering thousands in financial compensation to passengers injured in last month’s severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore.
The airline announced Tuesday that it has offered $10,000 to those who suffered minor injuries during the deadly May 20 flight. Those who suffered more serious injuries are invited to discuss customized compensation but will be provided $25,000 upfront to help cover any long-term medical care.
“This will be part of the final compensation that these passengers will receive,” the company said in a statement.
All passengers, regardless of injury, were provided full airfare refunds and 1,000 Singapore dollars ($739) to cover their return travel from Bangkok, where the plane made an emergency landing. The carrier also said that it arranged for the family members and loved ones of those injured to fly to Bangkok where requested.
A Singapore Airlines representative, reached by email, said they cannot disclose how many passengers have received and accepted a financial offer due to “privacy reasons.”
“Details of the compensation offers will be discussed directly with the affected passengers,” they said, adding that letters went out to affected passengers via email on Monday.
A total of 211 passengers and 18 crew members were aboard the Boeing 777 flight when it experienced extreme turbulence over the Indian Ocean, causing it to descend 6,000 feet in a span of about three minutes, the carrier previously said.
Passengers have recalled seeing people not wearing seat belts violently hit the cabin ceiling and then crash down to the floor.
One 73-year-old British man died from a suspected heart attack, and more than two dozen other passengers were injured.