Singapore Airlines imposes stricter measures following deadly turbulence

By Hoang Vu May 24, 2024 | 02:44 am PT

A Singapore Airlines aircraft parks at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok following a turbulence incident on May 21, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Singapore Airlines has applied tougher restrictions including the suspension of in-flight meal service when the seatbelt sign is switched on, in efforts to manage turbulence.

Cabin crew will be alsorequired to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts when aircraft hit turbulence, the carrier said on Friday, according to Bloomberg.

Previously, only hot drinks were cut off during turbulence.

The move came after flight SQ321 on Tuesday experienced sudden extreme turbulence during the breakfast service while flying over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar about 10 hours into the flight.

The incident killed a 73-year-old British tourist, identified as Geoffrey Kitchen, and left 104 others injured.

As of Friday, 20 passengers remained in intensive care in Bangkok where the flight made an emergency landing, The Straits Times reported.

Singapore Airlines said it "would continue to review its processes" to prioritize the safety of crew and passengers.