Singapore Airlines (SIA) has revised its in-flight seatbelt rules and adjusted at least one flight route following a severe turbulence incident that resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The airline aims to enhance passenger and crew safety by adopting a more cautious approach to turbulence.
In response to the turbulence incident, Singapore Airlines announced changes to its in-flight safety protocols. The airline will no longer serve hot drinks or meals when the seatbelt sign is on. “SIA will continue to review our processes, as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance,” the airline stated in a message to Channel News Asia.
Incident Details
The turbulence occurred on flight SQ321 from London to Singapore, a Boeing 777-300ER carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members. The plane encountered extreme turbulence three hours before its scheduled landing, forcing an emergency diversion to Bangkok. The turbulence caused passengers and crew to be flung around the cabin, resulting in injuries and the death of a 73-year-old British passenger due to a suspected heart attack.
Upon landing in Bangkok, Singapore investigators began examining data from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. Singapore Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Since the incident, Singapore Airlines has adjusted the route of the daily London to Singapore flight SQ321. The flight now avoids the part of Myanmar where the turbulence occurred. Instead, it flies over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. This route change has not affected the overall flight time.
Visual Evidence
Photographs from inside the affected plane reveal significant damage. The turbulence caused gashes in the overhead cabin panels, dislodged oxygen masks, and scattered luggage throughout the cabin. Passengers reported that some people hit their heads on the lights above the seats, breaking the panels.
The airline has not responded to requests for further comments from Reuters. However, Singapore Airlines continues to prioritize safety and will review its procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Following a severe turbulence incident, Singapore Airlines has implemented new safety measures and adjusted flight routes to enhance passenger and crew safety. The airline remains committed to reviewing and improving its processes to ensure the highest safety standards.
Source: Reuters
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