Three passengers injured on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 have filed a personal injury claim in the UK High Court against the carrier, marking the first known lawsuit stemming from the severe turbulence incident.
The Boeing 777-312ER, operating from London Heathrow to Singapore on May 21, 2024, encountered extreme turbulence over Myanmar’s Myaungmya District, resulting in the death of a 73-year-old British man from a suspected heart attack and injuries to 144 others. The aircraft, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, dropped about 177 feet in seconds, with vertical accelerations shifting from +1.35G to -1.5G. It diverted to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport for an emergency landing.
Preliminary findings from Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau indicate the turbulence began at 07:49 UTC during meal service, with an uncommanded altitude gain followed by a rapid drop. The airline has offered compensation, including $10,000 for minor injuries and $25,000 advance payments for serious cases, plus refunds and expense coverage.
Claims fall under the Montreal Convention, imposing strict liability on carriers for accidents causing death or injury on board. This covers damages up to 128,821 Special Drawing Rights (about $170,000) without proving fault, with potential for higher awards if negligence is not disproven. Jurisdictions for suits include the carrier’s domicile or passengers’ residence, enabling the UK filing.