On May 21, 2024, a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar, causing the Boeing 777-300ER to descend 6,000 feet in three minutes. The turbulence resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British man, Geoffrey Kitchen, and injuries to over two dozen passengers. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand.
Kitchen, a musical theatre director from Gloucestershire, was traveling with his wife on a holiday to Southeast Asia and Australia. Witness accounts describe a dramatic drop causing unbelted passengers to be thrown into the ceiling, resulting in head injuries and other traumas. Thirty passengers were reported injured, with several in critical condition.
Experts cite turbulence, particularly clear-air turbulence, as a significant safety hazard for airlines, with increasing encounters possibly linked to climate change. Analysis shows that turbulence-related incidents have been rising due to factors like climate-driven changes in jet streams and wind shear. While modern aircraft are designed to withstand turbulence, adherence to safety measures such as wearing seat belts is emphasized to minimize injury risks.