Boeing 777 Returns to Singapore After Fatal Turbulence Incident

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 27, 2024 09:30 AMNews
Share:
Singapore airliner in the sky
Singapore airliner in the sky. Source: unsplash

The Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER that experienced severe turbulence last week has returned to its base at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). The aircraft, which was involved in a fatal incident during a flight from London to Singapore, was ferried back on Sunday after remaining grounded in Bangkok for five days.

The turbulence incident, which resulted in multiple injuries and one fatality, has prompted Singapore Airlines to revise its onboard seatbelt policy. The airline now mandates that hot beverage and meal service be suspended whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated, reflecting heightened concerns over increasing reports of severe turbulence potentially linked to climate change.

The aircraft, registered as 9V-SWM, was flown back to SIN as SQ9071. Departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 10:49, the flight reached a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet within 17 minutes and landed in Singapore at 13:39, taking one hour and 50 minutes. The 777-300ER is currently out of service as the investigation into the incident continues.

The turbulence event occurred on May 20th during flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore. The aircraft encountered severe turbulence and diverted to Bangkok, resulting in the death of a 73-year-old British passenger and injuries to several others. The sudden altitude drop caused unrestrained passengers to be thrown against the cabin ceiling, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of clear air turbulence.

Reports indicate that 52 people remain in Bangkok, with 40 passengers and a crew member receiving hospital treatment. Five individuals, including three Australians, a Briton, and a New Zealander, are in intensive care.

Clear air turbulence, often the most severe type, poses significant challenges for flight crews due to its unpredictability. Experts, including atmospheric science professor Paul Williams from the University of Reading, attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of turbulence to climate change. This sentiment is echoed by Thomas Guinn of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, who notes that the atmosphere is becoming more turbulent.

Turbulence is a leading cause of in-flight injuries, with approximately 60 people injured annually in the United States alone. Most incidents occur at altitudes above 30,000 feet. Passengers are advised to keep their seatbelts fastened at all times while seated, regardless of the seatbelt sign's status.

The Singapore Airlines turbulence incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the evolving challenges airlines face in ensuring passenger safety amid changing atmospheric conditions.

Top Articles
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM
Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM

The Best Travel Luggage: Choosing Guide and Top Brand Reviews

Jan 21, 2025 19:00 PM
More News
A luxury resort in Thailand with a tropical pool, wooden villas, and lush greenery in the background

The Impact of 'The White Lotus' on Tourism in Thailand

Feb 16, 2025 21:47 PM
AirAsia airplane wingtip with logo against a blue sky

AirAsia’s Fare Shake-Up: How Travelers Can Benefit in 2025

Feb 16, 2025 19:21 PM

New SAS Lounge at Arlanda: Easier, More Comfortable Travel for Passengers

Feb 15, 2025 19:32 PM

Universal Studios Singapore Expands with Minion Land, Offering New Experiences for Visitors

Feb 15, 2025 14:26 PM
A view of an easyJet airplane wing above the clouds during sunset, with a gradient sky in shades of pink and purple

EasyJet Expands Flights for Half-Term

Feb 15, 2025 11:49 AM
A high-speed train passing through a station near a tunnel, captured in motion

Rail Travel in Bressanone Disrupted After WWII Bomb Was Found

Feb 15, 2025 08:33 AM
ANA aircraft parked at an international airport terminal during sunset

ANA Expands Meal Selection for International Passengers

Feb 15, 2025 05:25 AM
Snow-covered canal-side street with parked cars and historic buildings in winter

Snow and Ice May Disrupt Travel Plans in Northern England

Feb 15, 2025 02:48 AM
Interior of an AirAsia airplane with red and black seats, viewed from the aisle

AirAsia Announces Free* Seats Promotion for 2025 Travel

Feb 15, 2025 00:31 AM

Brighton Main Line: Travel Disruptions and Passenger Impact

Feb 14, 2025 20:32 PM

Michelin-Starred Dining: The New Spots for Travelers in the UK

Feb 14, 2025 17:46 PM
Aer Lingus aircraft in flight against a blue sky with scattered clouds

Aer Lingus Expands Reward Travel with Avios-Only Route

Feb 14, 2025 14:29 PM
A young woman wearing glasses, using a smartphone while working on a laptop at a creative workspace with art supplies

Expedia Introduces Flight Deals to Improve Travel Savings

Feb 14, 2025 11:33 AM
A solo traveler sitting by an airplane window with a backpack on their lap, gazing outside

Solo Travel on the Rise: How the Trend is Reshaping Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 08:45 AM
Frost-covered leaves lying on the ground

Prolonged Chill May Influence UK Travel Plans

Feb 14, 2025 05:28 AM

Wizz Air Expands Summer Travel Options with New Route

Feb 14, 2025 02:31 AM

Rail Disruptions Pose Challenges for Travelers Amid RMT Strike

Feb 13, 2025 23:36 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off against a cloudy sky

Emirates Introduces Exclusive Valentine's Day Travel Experience

Feb 13, 2025 21:41 PM
Person tapping a card at a train station gate

Southeastern’s Silent Cuts: How Ticket Office Closures Are Reshaping Travel

Feb 13, 2025 19:29 PM
A commercial airplane parked on a busy Manchester airport tarmac

Escape the Cold: Top Winter Getaways in High Demand

Feb 13, 2025 17:33 PM
A cozy hotel room with sunlight filtering through sheer curtains, overlooking a cityscape

Hilton Expands Affordable Stays: More Budget-Friendly Hotels for Travelers

Feb 12, 2025 23:36 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off under cloudy skies

Emirates Elevates Inflight Dining with Gourmet Cuisine

Feb 12, 2025 21:42 PM

Amsterdam's Infrastructure Overhaul: What It Means for Travelers

Feb 12, 2025 19:38 PM

Lufthansa Expands Premium Cabin Offering

Feb 12, 2025 17:21 PM
Woman with a backpack looking at cherry blossoms in front of a European-style building

Spring Travel Outlook 2025: Key Trends and Opportunities

Feb 12, 2025 15:43 PM
A silhouette of a traveler with a suitcase at an airport terminal, with a plane visible in the sky

Smart Luggage Choices: How to Avoid Travel Hassles and Lost Bags

Feb 12, 2025 12:45 PM