Singapore Airlines CEO apologises after severe turbulence on flight causes death and injuries

The CEO of Singapore Airlines on Wednesday issued a public apology following an incident of severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore, which resulted in one passenger's death and injuries to 30 others.

In a video message, Goh Choon Phong expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the incident" and extended apologies for the "traumatic experience" endured by all passengers on flight SQ321.



Singapore Airlines flight turbulence: One dead, dozens injured
A Singapore Airlines flight hit severe turbulence over the Indian Ocean and descended 6,000 feet (around 1,800 meters) in about three minutes, the carrier said Tuesday. A British man died and authorities said dozens of passengers were injured, some severely.

An airport official said the 73-year-old man may have had a heart attack, though that hasn't been confirmed. His name wasn't immediately released.

The Boeing 777 flight from London's Heathrow airport to Singapore, with 211 passengers and 18 crew members aboard, was diverted and landed in stormy weather in Bangkok.

British passenger Andrew Davies told Sky News that the seatbelt sign was illuminated but crew members didn't have time to take their seats.

Flight turbulence
According to experts, as quoted by AFP, airplane turbulence, a complex phenomenon, is becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Various factors such as storms, cold and warm fronts, and the airflow around mountains contribute to turbulence experienced by aircraft.

Additionally, turbulence can occur within jet streams, which are bands of strong winds circulating the globe at specific latitudes.