Singapore Airlines alters seatbelt sign protocol due to tragic turbulence mishap.
Singapore Airlines has adjusted their in-flight seatbelt sign protocols and modified at least one flight path following a turbulent incident this week that led to one fatality and numerous hospitalizations, as per the carrier and flight data.
The airline is adopting a more conservative stance on turbulence, according to a statement released to Singapore news broadcaster Channel News Asia. This includes refraining from serving hot drinks or meals while the seatbelt sign is turned on.
"SIA will continue to review our processes, as the safety of our passengers and crew is paramount," the statement read.
Reuters was not given a response by the airline when they requested comment.
On Tuesday, the SQ321 flight from London to Singapore, a Boeing 777-300ER plane with 211 passengers and 18 crew, was forced to divert to Bangkok for an emergency landing due to the aircraft being shaken by turbulence, resulting in passengers and crew members being hurled about the cabin and some slamming into the roof.
Following the event, the daily London-to-Singapore route SQ321 has completed two flights without flying over the part of Myanmar where the unexpected turbulence took place around three hours before the scheduled landing.
Flight data shows the altitude and flight time to be the same as before, but the route has been altered through the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea instead.
Inside the plane, images revealed damage to the cabin ceilings, scattered oxygen masks and panels, and scattered luggage. A passenger recounted that some individuals' heads had collided with the lights above the seats, shattering the panels.
As of May 23, 46 passengers and two crew members were hospitalized in Bangkok; 19 others remain there.
According to an official from Bangkok's Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, 20 of the 46 individuals continue to receive intensive care, having experienced spine, brain, and skull injuries.
Singapore Airlines, a well-known industry leader, has not experienced any major incidents in recent times.
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The adjustments made by Singapore Airlines to their in-flight protocols include being more cautious with turbulence, such as avoiding serving hot drinks or meals during turbulent conditions. In light of this incident, some passengers are now opting for alternative travel options, such as choosing flights that avoid certain routes known for frequent turbulence.
Source: edition.cnn.com
