Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong issued a public apology on Wednesday (May 22) following a tragic incident where severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore resulted in one passenger’s death and injuries to over 70 others.
In a heartfelt video message, Phong expressed deep regret for the traumatic experience endured by everyone on board flight SQ321. “On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We are very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through,” Mr Phong said.
Following the incident, a relief flight carrying 143 of the SQ321 passengers and crew members arrived in Singapore. Over 70 passengers and six crew members, including those receiving medical care and their family members, remained in Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines has pledged full support and assistance to the affected passengers and crew. Phong also emphasised the airline’s cooperation with relevant authorities in the ongoing investigations. “Please be assured that Singapore Airlines is here to help and support you during this difficult time,” Phong reassured.
What happened on the Singapore Airlines flight?
The incident occurred on a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER at an altitude of 37,000 feet. The aircraft, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, encountered sudden extreme turbulence.
Flight SQ321, which departed from Heathrow Airport in London on Monday, encountered severe turbulence approximately 10 hours into its journey, over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar. The turbulence struck as the cabin crew was serving breakfast, causing the plane to descend rapidly into an air pocket. This prompted an emergency landing request at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where the flight landed at 3:45 pm local time on Tuesday.
Shocking images reveal extensive damage
Images from the plane’s interior revealed extensive damage, including large gashes in overhead cabin panels and dangling gas masks. Passengers described the horrifying moment when some individuals’ heads slammed into the overhead lights, puncturing the panels.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport general manager Kittipong Kittikachorn reported that a 73-year-old British man died of a heart attack during the turbulence. Seven others were critically injured, with some sustaining head injuries.