Singapore Airlines has announced stricter cabin-service protocols in response to a tragic incident earlier this week, where one passenger died and many were injured due to severe turbulence on a flight from London. The turbulence caused Flight SQ321 to lose altitude suddenly on May 21, prompting an emergency landing in Bangkok.
In light of the event, the airline stated that it would halt in-flight meal services and suspend the provision of hot drinks whenever the seatbelt sign is turned on. Crew members will also be required to take their seats and fasten their seatbelts immediately.
The incident on Flight SQ321 was severe, with passengers suffering from significant injuries, including spinal cord damage and head injuries, after being catapulted into the cabin roof amid the chaos. Some 22 passengers are being treated for spinal injuries, and six have sustained skull and brain injuries, with many still hospitalized in intensive care.
Singapore Airlines has affirmed its commitment to continually reviewing and improving safety protocols. The airline emphasized that cabin crew are trained to secure all loose items and equipment quickly to minimize injury risks during turbulence.
Turbulence, a common yet unpredictable aviation hazard, occurs when a plane encounters rapid changes in air movement and can be extremely dangerous, comparable to falling head-first from a ladder. (NNT)
