Singapore Airlines offers SQ321 victims at least US$10,000 compensation: ‘generous’?

Passengers who suffered more serious injuries when the flight was hit by violent turbulence last month will be offered at least US$25,000

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The interior of Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 is pictured after an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 21. Photo: Handout via Reuters

Published: 12:28pm, 11 Jun 2024Updated: 7:48pm, 11 Jun 2024

Singapore Airlines has sent out offers of compensation to passengers of turbulence-hit flight SQ321, with those who suffered minor injuries able to claim US$10,000 from the carrier.

An aviation law expert who spoke to This Week in Asia said that while it was standard practice for airlines to offer compensation after such incidents, the payout for light injuries in this case was more generous, given the serious turbulence and massive publicity it attracted.

In a social media update on Tuesday, the airline apologised to passengers for the “traumatic experience on board flight SQ321” and said it was “committed to providing our full support and assistance during this time”.

Those who had suffered minor injuries were offered US$10,000 in compensation, while those who sustained more serious injuries were offered an advance payment of US$25,000 to address their immediate needs and are invited to discuss a compensation offer that can meet their specific circumstances, the airline said.

“SIA [Singapore Airlines] will provide a full refund of the air fare to all passengers travelling on SQ321 … including those who did not suffer any injuries,” it said, adding that all passengers had received S$1,000 each for expenses upon their departure from Bangkok.

An Australian passenger who was injured on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 is seen at a hospital in Bangkok on May 23. Photo: AP

A spokesman said details of compensation offers would be discussed directly with affected passengers.