Singapore Airlines has updated its in-flight seatbelt sign policies and adjusted at least one flight route following a turbulence incident that resulted in one fatality and numerous hospitalizations. The airline, along with flight data, confirmed these changes.
In a statement to Channel News Asia, Singapore Airlines emphasized a heightened focus on safety, which includes suspending the service of hot drinks and meals when the seatbelt sign is illuminated. “SIA will continue to review our processes, as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance,” the airline stated.
On Tuesday, flight SQ321 from London to Singapore, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER with 211 passengers and 18 crew members, made an emergency landing in Bangkok after experiencing severe turbulence. The turbulence caused passengers and crew to be thrown around the cabin, with some hitting the ceiling. A 73-year-old British passenger died, reportedly from a heart attack.
Since the incident, the SQ321 flight has avoided flying over the turbulent area in Myanmar, instead rerouting over the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The flight time remains unchanged, according to FlightRadar 24 data.
Photos from the affected flight showed significant cabin damage, including broken overhead panels, dangling oxygen masks, and scattered luggage. As of Thursday, 46 passengers and two crew members were hospitalized in Bangkok, with 20 in intensive care due to severe injuries.
Reuters reported that Singapore Airlines, renowned for its safety and service, had not experienced a major incident in recent years until this event.
