Singapore Airlines Faces Lawsuit Over May 2024 Turbulence Death

Linda Kitchen, 74, has begun High Court proceedings against Singapore Airlines (SIA.SI) seeking damages after her husband Geoffrey, 73, died during severe turbulence on Flight SQ321 in May 2024. The aircraft plunged over 54 metres in five seconds while flying over Myanmar, injuring 79 people total. Kitchen broke her back in the incident and is seeking compensation to fund specialist medical support.

What happened on Flight SQ321

On May 21, 2024, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar about 10 hours into the flight. The Boeing 777-300ER carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members dropped over 54 metres in just five seconds during a routine breakfast service. Geoffrey Kitchen fell on top of his wife, pinning her against the armrest. A doctor on board performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but Geoffrey died. The aircraft diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok for an emergency landing.

Injuries and aftermath

Linda Kitchen suffered a fractured spine in the incident. She spent 10 days in a Bangkok hospital before being airlifted back to Bristol, then remained hospitalised for another week. She learned of her husband’s death two days after the incident. In total, 79 people were injured, with 56 sustaining serious injuries and 23 suffering minor injuries. The couple had been married for 52 years and were starting a six-week holiday to Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

The legal claim and airline response

Kitchen has filed two claims at Britain’s High Court: one on her own behalf and another as representative of her late husband’s estate. She is seeking damages to help access specialist support for her back injuries. Singapore Airlines said on August 29 it was unable to comment on matters before the courts. Specialist aviation lawyer Anthe Korelidou, representing Kitchen, noted that the severity of injuries sustained vividly highlights what occurred.

Investigation findings and context

Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau released its final report in May 2026, stating that Geoffrey Kitchen suffered heart failure and pulmonary oedema. The report found the turbulence was linked to convective processes over Myanmar. Linda Kitchen told the BBC the turbulence felt so severe she thought the plane was going down. Several other passengers on the flight have also filed claims against Singapore Airlines.

Final Thoughts

The lawsuit marks the latest legal action against Singapore Airlines over the May 2024 incident. With 79 people injured and one death, the case underscores the financial and legal exposure airlines face from severe turbulence events, even when weather conditions are the primary cause.

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