Singapore Airlines release a statement on SQ321 operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore, 20 May 2024

Singapore Airlines have released updates following an incident that took place on flight SQ321, flying London Heathrow to Singapore, Changi on 20 May 2024.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) have released updates following an incident that took place on flight SQ321, flying London Heathrow to Singapore on 20 May 2024. Singapore Airlines’ CEO has also issued a formal video apology, posted to the company’s Facebook and Twitter (X). Please see below for the updates.

Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024, encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet about 10 hours after departure. The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the aircraft to Bangkok, and landed at 15:45 local time on 21 May 2024.

There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board SQ321.

The nationalities of the passengers are as follows:

• 56 from Australia
• 47 from the United Kingdom
• 41 from Singapore
• 23 from New Zealand
• 16 from Malaysia
• Five from the Philippines
• Four from Ireland
• Four from the US
• Three from India
• Two from Indonesia
• Two from Myanmar
• Two from Spain
• Two from Canada
• One from Germany
• One from Israel
• One from Iceland
• One from South Korea

Singapore Airlines can confirm that there were multiple injuries on board the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Singapore Airlines confirms that one passenger, who was on board SQ321, died during the incident. The victim was named as 73-year-old British man, Geoff Kitchen, who died from a suspected heart attack onboard.

CREDIT: Bloomberg Television 

We deeply apologise for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight. SIA is working with the relevant authorities on the investigation into this incident.

As of 19:50 Singapore time on 21 May 2024, 18 individuals had been hospitalised. Another 12 were being treated in hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew were being examined and given treatment, where necessary, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

Singapore Airlines confirms that a relief flight with 143 of the SQ321 passengers and crew members, who were able to travel, arrived in Singapore this morning at 05:05 (Singapore Time).