Singapore Airlines updates safety measures post turbulence incident
In response to a recent turbulence incident, Singapore Airlines has made adjustments to its in-flight seatbelt sign policies and has modified a flight route. Learn more about the updated safety measures implemented by the airline in light of this event.
Singapore Airlines has made changes to its in-flight seatbelt sign policies and adjusted a flight route following a recent turbulence incident that resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, as reported by the airline and flight data.
In response to the incident, the airline has decided to take a more careful stance towards turbulence. This includes refraining from serving hot drinks or meals when the seatbelt sign is illuminated, as mentioned in a statement provided to Singapore broadcaster Channel News Asia.
“SIA will continue to review our processes, as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance,” it said.
The airline did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The SQ321 flight from London to Singapore, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, had to make an emergency landing in Bangkok on Tuesday. This happened after the plane experienced severe turbulence, causing passengers and crew to be thrown around the cabin, with some even hitting the ceiling.
Since the incident, the daily London-to-Singapore route SQ321 has completed two flights without any issues. It has been noted that the flights have avoided flying over the area in Myanmar where the turbulence occurred. Despite the change in route, the flight time remains consistent based on tracking data.
They flew instead over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, route data from flight tracker FlightRadar 24 shows.
A Singapore airline aircraft is seen on tarmac after requesting an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, May 21, 2024. Pongsak Suksi/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE
A Singapore airline aircraft had to make an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, on May 21, 2024. The plane was spotted on the tarmac in a photo taken by Pongsak Suksi and provided by Reuters. Please note that this image was supplied by a third party and credit must be given to them. No resales or archives allowed. This is the best quality image available.
Related article
How air turbulence creates danger in the skies
Photographs taken inside the plane revealed damage to the overhead cabin panels, with oxygen masks and panels dangling from the ceiling. Luggage was also scattered around, indicating the impact of the incident. One passenger mentioned that some individuals had hit their heads on the lights above the seats, causing the panels to break.
By late Thursday, May 23, a total of 46 passengers and two crew members had been taken to hospitals in Bangkok for treatment. Additionally, 19 other individuals were still in Bangkok, as reported by the airline.
Twenty out of the 46 people injured are still in intensive care at Bangkok's Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital. The official mentioned that the injured individuals have a combination of spinal cord, brain, and skull injuries.
Singapore Airlines is known globally for being one of the top airlines in the world. It is often considered a standard for the industry and has not experienced any major incidents in recent years.
Editor's P/S:
The recent turbulence incident involving a Singapore Airlines flight highlights the importance of safety in air travel. The airline's decision to adjust its policies, including refraining from serving hot drinks and meals during turbulence, is a prudent move to minimize the risk of injuries. The change in flight route to avoid the area where the turbulence occurred is also a sensible measure to enhance passenger safety.
The reports of passenger injuries and the damage to the aircraft's interior underscore the severity of the incident. The fact that twenty injured passengers remain in intensive care with spinal cord, brain, and skull injuries is a reminder of the potential consequences of turbulence. The airline's commitment to reviewing its processes and prioritizing passenger and crew safety is commendable, and it is essential that airlines worldwide continue to take such incidents seriously and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
