Singapore Airlines (SIA) has implemented stricter safety measures to enhance passenger and crew safety during turbulence, following a serious incident on Flight SQ321. As part of these new protocols, meal services will now be suspended whenever the seatbelt sign is turned on, marking a significant change from previous procedures, where only hot drinks were discontinued.

The decision comes after a severe bout of turbulence on May 21 that caused injuries to several passengers, some of whom sustained life-threatening conditions. The turbulence struck as the flight was crossing Myanmar during the breakfast service. It tragically resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British passenger, Geoffrey Kitchen, and left dozens injured.

In the aftermath of this event, SIA announced that cabin crew will also be required to secure themselves by sitting down and fastening their seatbelts when the seatbelt sign is illuminated. This measure will ensure that both crew and passengers are protected during turbulent moments in the flight. Other pre-existing safety measures, such as securing loose items in the cabin, reminding passengers to fasten their seatbelts, and providing assistance to those needing extra help (such as passengers in the lavatory), will remain in place.

The pilot of Flight SQ321, en route from London to Singapore, declared a medical emergency as a result of the turbulence and diverted the aircraft to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where it made an emergency landing at 3:45 PM (Bangkok time). The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members.

This incident marks SIA’s first aviation accident involving a fatality since the crash of Flight SQ006 in Taiwan in 2000. SIA continues to prioritize safety and pledged to keep reviewing their protocols.

As of May 23, 46 passengers and two crew members remain in Bangkok for medical treatment. According to the director of Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Dr. Adinun Kittiratanapaibool, 22 passengers have spinal injuries, while six others are being treated for brain and skull trauma. The oldest patient is 83 years old, and the youngest is a two-year-old child with a concussion. None of the cases are currently life-threatening, but 20 individuals remain in intensive care.

SIA has already implemented changes to their in-flight procedures, including suspending all meal and drink services when the seatbelt sign is on, rather than only hot drinks as was done in the past. Additionally, crew members will now be required to return to their seats and fasten their seatbelts during these periods to prioritize safety. These steps reflect the airline’s renewed focus on minimizing risks during flight turbulence, and they will continue to evaluate and adjust their processes moving forward.