Singapore Airlines has announced that it will provide compensation to passengers who were onboard a flight that encountered severe turbulence last month, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to various others. The incident occurred on a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 jet, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, during a flight from London to Singapore on May 20.

The airline stated that it will offer $10,000 in compensation to passengers who sustained minor injuries during the turbulence. Additionally, for those who suffered more serious injuries and require long-term medical care, there will be an advance payment of $25,000 to cover their immediate needs. The final compensation amount will be determined after individual discussions with the affected passengers.

Singapore Airlines will also provide full air fare refunds to all passengers, including those without any injuries. Furthermore, in accordance with European Union or U.K. regulations, the airline will offer delay compensation to all passengers. The airline has already provided each passenger with 1,000 Singapore dollars ($739) for immediate expenses, covered medical costs for injured passengers, and facilitated the travel arrangements of their family members and loved ones to Bangkok, as requested.

Preliminary investigations conducted by Singapore's Transport Ministry revealed that the plane experienced significant swings in g-force, lasting less than five seconds, during the turbulence. It was estimated that the aircraft dropped 178 feet (54 meters) in less than one second, leading to passengers who were not buckled up becoming airborne and subsequently falling back down.

The turbulence occurred while meals were being served, and many passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time. Eyewitness accounts from passengers described their fear and the chaos as loose items flew around the cabin and injured individuals were left paralyzed on the floor.

The cause of the turbulence remains unclear, as it did not occur during a heavy storm but rather in clear air. Clear air turbulence, caused by differences in temperature and pressure creating powerful air currents, is considered to be the most dangerous type of turbulence.

According to a report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, turbulence accounted for 37.6% of all accidents on larger commercial airlines between 2009 and 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported that there were 146 serious injuries caused by turbulence from 2009 to 2021.

Singapore Airlines expressed condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and pledged to assist all affected passengers in their recovery process. The airline's compensation and support measures aim to alleviate the physical and financial burdens faced by the passengers who experienced the traumatic incident.