Singapore Airlines has offered thousands of dollars in compensation to passengers who were injured on flight SQ321 after it hit violent turbulence last month, claiming the life of one passenger and leaving dozens hospitalized.

Almost 60 Australians were on board the Boeing 777-300ER from London to Singapore when it struck severe turbulence on May 20 and plunged 54 meters in altitude in less than five seconds. A 73-year-old British man died from a suspected heart attack and 104 passengers were injured.

The aircraft, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, where passengers were transported to hospitals.

Weeks on from the terrifying ordeal, the airline announced it had offered US$10,000 in compensation (A$15,130) to those who suffered minor injuries during the “traumatic” event. Those with serious injuries will receive $20,000.

“Singapore Airlines (SIA) deeply apologises to all passengers for the traumatic experience on board flight SQ321 on 20 May 2024. We are committed to providing our full support and assistance during this time,” the airline said in a statement.

“For those who sustained more serious injuries … we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so,” the statement continued.

“Passengers medically assessed as having sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care, and requesting financial assistance are offered an advance payment of US$25,000 to address their immediate needs. This will be part of the final compensation that these passengers will receive.”

The airline said it would also provide a full refund to all passengers on the flight, including those who were not injured.

“All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or United Kingdom regulations,” it said.

“We provided all passengers with S$1,000 each to meet their immediate expenses upon departure from Bangkok.”

The airline said it has been covering the medical expenses of the injured passengers and had arranged for their family members to fly to Bangkok when it was requested.

“SIA remains committed to supporting the affected passengers who were on board SQ321,” the airline said.

‘Good Move’

Peter Carter, director of Carter Capner Law, which is representing passengers on the flight, said the airline’s offer to provide a refund of the price of the ticket, compensation for the delay and a refund of medical expenses, “go without saying”.

“Making these payments – that the airline says are a gesture of goodwill – are a legal obligation,” Mr. Carter said in a statement.

However, Mr. Carter said the offer of US$25,000 (A$37,860) to those who have sustained serious injuries was “very welcome”.

“This is a good move on behalf of the insurer,” he said.

“I doubt there is anyone on the aircraft who did not suffer an injury one way or the other.”

He encouraged all passengers to seek legal advice before “signing anything” with the airline and recommended those with injuries to seek evaluation by their own medical specialist.

“Our working theory remains that this incident could have been avoided and therefore some fault lies with Singapore Airlines.”

Since the incident, preliminary findings from an investigation show a rapid change in the gravitational force, with the sudden 54m altitude drop causing injuries. According to Thai medical records, the extent of injuries includes spinal cord injuries and some brain and skull injuries.

“The aircraft experienced a rapid change in G (gravitational force) … This likely resulted in the occupants who were not belted up to become airborne,” a statement from the transport ministry said from the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau report.

‘Horrified’

Adelaide couple Keith Davis and Kerry Jordan were among those badly injured on the flight. Ms. Jordan, a dance teacher, has been left paralyzed from her chest down and is currently recovering in the spinal unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Speaking to The Advertiser last week, the 52-year-old said she was trying to put on her seatbelt after returning from the bathroom when the turbulence struck.

“Literally everything just started shaking so much, I could not get to my seatbelt to put it back,” she told the publication.

“All I remember was being up in the air and everything was absolutely silent and then I was on the floor.”

Mr. Davis, who suffered a shoulder injury and blurred vision, said his wife had “no reaction” when she hit the floor, leaving him wondering if she was dead or alive.

“When she hit the ground, she never moved and that was so unnatural, and I was just horrified,’’ he said.

The couple are looking into their legal options for the injuries.