(Reuters) — Singapore Airlines has sent compensation offers to passengers on a flight last month from London to Singapore that ran into severe turbulence, causing dozens of injuries and a death, the carrier said Tuesday.
Passengers with minor injuries have been offered $10,000, while those with serious injuries can discuss offers to meet specific needs, it said.
“Passengers medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance are offered an advance payment of $25,000 to address their immediate needs” that will form part of any final settlement, the airline said.
Three weeks after the May 20 flight, 11 passengers are still receiving medical care in hospitals in Bangkok, according to the airline.
A 73-year-old passenger died of a suspected heart attack and dozens were injured after flight SQ321 encountered what the airline described as sudden, extreme turbulence while flying over Myanmar. It diverted to Bangkok, the Thai capital.
Passengers said crew and those not strapped in left the floor or their seats and slammed into the cabin ceiling, cracking it in places. A Bangkok hospital treating passengers said there were spinal cord, brain and skull injuries.
Singapore Airlines said it would refund passengers’ airfares and compensate them for the delay in line with European Union or British regulations covering their tickets.
The Montreal Convention makes airlines liable for physical injuries from accidents on international flights, which can include turbulence, regardless of whether they were negligent.
If passengers file a lawsuit, the airline cannot contest damages up to about $175,000, but if greater damages are sought, Singapore Airlines can try to limit liability by proving it took all necessary measures to avoid the turbulence, lawyers say.
Allianz is the lead insurer for the aircraft, sources speaking on condition of anonymity have told Reuters.
