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Singapore Airlines offers compensation to passengers injured in turbulence flight

Compensation is being offered by Singapore Airlines to those injured on a flight from London that encountered severe turbulence 

The airline said it was paying (US) $10,000 to passengers who sustained minor injuries.

An advance payment of $25,000 is being made to passengers with more serious injuries “to address their immediate needs” with further discussions to meet “their specific circumstances” as part of final compensation they will receive.

“We have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so,” the airline added.

SIA said it “deeply apologises” to passengers “for the traumatic experience” on board.

A 73-year-old British passenger died and dozens more were injured when flight SQ 321 encountered turbulence at 37,000ft over Myanmar and was diverted to Bangkok last month.

There were 211 passengers and 18 crew on board the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at the time of the incident.

Initial investigations showed that the aircraft plunged 178ft in less than five seconds, injuring dozens on board.

In a Facebook post, SIA said it will also provide a full refund of the air fare to all passengers travelling on flight SQ321 on May 20, including those who did not suffer any injuries. 

All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or UK regulations.

The airline added: “We provided all passengers with S$1,000 each to meet their immediate expenses upon departure from Bangkok. 

“SIA has also been covering the medical expenses of the injured passengers, and arranged for their family members and loved ones to fly up to Bangkok where requested.

“All affected passengers should have received their offers of compensation via email, along with information on how they may proceed with their claims. 

“For any inquiries or further assistance, passengers may contact us using the provided details, and we will address these promptly. 

“SIA remains committed to supporting the affected passengers who were on board SQ321.”

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