Singapore Airlines Hits Severe Turbulence at Over Twenty Seven Thousand Feet, Passenger Seriously Injured – Is This the Next Aviation Nightmare Waiting to Happen?

Published on July 19, 2025

On June 27, 2025, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900, operating flight SQ832, experienced severe turbulence during its descent towards Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The flight, en route from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), encountered the turbulence as it passed through Flight Level 270 (approximately 27,000 feet). Despite the abrupt and intense nature of the disturbance, the crew maintained control, and the aircraft safely continued its journey to Shanghai.

While turbulence at these altitudes is not unusual, the intensity of this particular event resulted in significant cabin disruption. One passenger sustained a serious injury during the incident, which prompted an immediate medical response upon landing. The event was deemed an accident by Singapore’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), who have since initiated a formal investigation into the causes and conditions surrounding the turbulence.

Aircraft Details and Safe Arrival at Shanghai Pudong

The aircraft involved in this incident was registered as 9V-SMB, a 9.3-year-old Airbus A350-900, which had been serving Singapore Airlines since its delivery in 2016. The Airbus A350 is a wide-body jet that is frequently deployed on both regional and long-haul routes. Popular destinations for this aircraft type include Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, and Munich, among others. Following the turbulence, the aircraft successfully completed its descent and landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport without further complications. Medical assistance was provided on the ground for the injured passenger, who received the necessary care.

The prompt response of the crew and the aircraft’s performance during the incident ensured a safe conclusion to what could have been a much more hazardous situation. However, the occurrence has prompted a closer examination of the airline’s procedures and the potential risks associated with mid-flight turbulence at various altitudes.

Air Accident Investigation Bureau Steps In

In line with protocol, the Singapore Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken responsibility for investigating the incident. The AAIB’s role is crucial in understanding the factors that led to the turbulence, as well as ensuring the implementation of any necessary safety measures in response. Although turbulence is a known and common occurrence during flights, the severity of this particular incident has raised questions about how such events are managed and mitigated in flight, especially in aircraft like the Airbus A350, known for its stability.

Further details about the investigation will be released as the AAIB continues to examine data from the flight, including cockpit recordings, weather conditions, and other relevant factors that might have contributed to the turbulence.

Comparison with Previous Turbulence Incident

This turbulence event on June 27, 2025, is the latest in a series of incidents involving Singapore Airlines flights encountering unexpected and severe turbulence. Just over a year prior, on May 21, 2023, another Singapore Airlines flight, SQ321, encountered violent turbulence while traveling from London Heathrow (LHR) to Singapore Changi (SIN). That flight, a Boeing 777-300ER, was forced to divert to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) after experiencing a sudden altitude change that left several passengers injured and one fatality.

The turbulence on SQ321 was so severe that it resulted in a 178-foot drop in just a few seconds, with oxygen masks deploying for passengers and unsecured items flying through the cabin. The rapid descent caused critical injuries to several passengers, including a 73-year-old British national, Geoffrey Kitchen, who tragically passed away during the event. Other passengers, such as New Zealander Philip Whitehead, sustained life-threatening injuries, including broken bones in his neck and back. This incident, as well as its aftermath, has highlighted the serious risks posed by turbulence and the need for enhanced safety measures.

Singapore Airlines’ Response to Turbulence-Related Incidents

In the aftermath of the SQ321 incident, Singapore Airlines implemented several policy changes designed to mitigate the risks of in-flight turbulence. The airline introduced new safety protocols, such as suspending the service of hot drinks and meals whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated to minimize injury risks during periods of turbulence. Furthermore, cabin crew members were instructed to remain seated and fastened during turbulence warnings, emphasizing the importance of safety during these high-risk moments.

These changes were part of a broader initiative to improve the safety of passengers and crew during turbulence events. The airline also undertook extensive reviews of its training procedures, ensuring that all flight crew members are equipped to handle such situations with the utmost professionalism and preparedness.

Compensation and Legal Matters Following Turbulence Incidents

Following incidents involving serious injuries or fatalities, airlines are typically held liable for damages. Under the Montreal Convention, which governs international air travel, airlines can be required to pay up to US$170,000 per passenger in cases of injury or death. Singapore Airlines has offered compensation to the passengers affected by these turbulence events. For the SQ321 incident, the airline initially offered US$25,000 to passengers with serious injuries and US$10,000 to those who were less affected.

However, legal action has been pursued by several passengers, particularly those who suffered psychological trauma as a result of the incident. Australian law firm Carter Capner Law has been actively pursuing compensation for passengers who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the SQ321 incident. These passengers, some of whom claim they feared for their lives during the extreme turbulence, are seeking compensation amounts as high as US$1 million per claimant for emotional and psychological distress.

The legal proceedings surrounding the SQ321 event continue, as the firm works to secure higher compensation for the victims. This case underscores the significant impact turbulence-related incidents can have not only on the physical health of passengers but also on their mental well-being, which often requires long-term care and attention.

The Importance of In-Flight Safety and Awareness

As turbulence remains one of the most unpredictable and potentially dangerous aspects of air travel, it is critical for airlines to continuously assess their safety protocols and ensure that both passengers and crew are prepared for sudden disturbances. While turbulence is a natural phenomenon and generally not a direct threat to the aircraft’s structural integrity, its unpredictable nature and the potential for injury make it an important focus for aviation safety experts.

The frequency of turbulence incidents, such as those involving Singapore Airlines flights SQ832 and SQ321, highlights the need for airlines to invest in advanced technology, crew training, and passenger education to manage these situations effectively. This includes better forecasting methods for turbulence, improved aircraft design to handle extreme conditions, and better communication with passengers about the risks and safety procedures in place during turbulent conditions.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Aviation Safety

As aviation technology continues to advance, so too will the systems in place to mitigate the effects of turbulence. Airlines like Singapore Airlines, which have faced significant turbulence events, are now leading the charge in making air travel safer for both passengers and crew. By investing in training, safety systems, and legal processes, airlines aim to reduce the risk and impact of in-flight turbulence.

Furthermore, ongoing improvements in aircraft design, such as enhanced turbulence sensors and stabilizing technologies, will help make turbulence-related incidents less severe in the future. These innovations, combined with increased awareness and preparedness, will play a critical role in shaping the future of air travel safety.

A Continued Focus on Passenger Safety

In light of these recent turbulence events, the aviation industry must remain committed to continuous improvement in safety practices. Singapore Airlines, while having navigated through multiple turbulence-related challenges, continues to set an example by revising its safety protocols, offering compensation to affected passengers, and actively working with legal authorities to ensure fair outcomes for those involved.

As the investigation into the SQ832 incident continues, the airline will likely implement further measures based on the findings. With a focus on improving both the physical and mental well-being of passengers, the airline, along with the broader aviation industry, is taking significant strides toward enhancing the safety of all travelers in the face of unpredictable turbulence.