A British passenger who died after Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 encountered severe turbulence died from cardiac failure linked to the incident, a UK inquest heard on 24 September 2026.
The inquest into the death of 73-year-old Geoffrey Kitchen heard that the passenger’s cause of death was cardiac failure resulting from the severe turbulence experienced during the flight, according to CNA.
SQ321 was travelling from London to Singapore on 20 May 2024 when it encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar. The aircraft was diverted to Bangkok, where injured passengers received medical treatment.
Flight Diverted After Severe Turbulence Encounter
Singapore Airlines had previously said that the Boeing 777-300ER experienced a sudden extreme turbulence event while flying over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar.
The flight was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members. After the turbulence encounter, the aircraft was diverted to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and landed there on 21 May 2024.
One passenger died and dozens of others were injured, with some requiring hospital treatment.
Inquest Examines Passenger’s Death
The UK inquest examined the circumstances surrounding Kitchen’s death.
The inquest heard that his death was linked to cardiac failure following the severe turbulence event.
Kitchen was travelling to Singapore with his wife when the incident occurred. He had been a retired insurance professional and was on his way to visit relatives in Singapore, according to previous reports.
Investigations into the incident by aviation authorities have examined the aircraft’s movements, weather conditions and the actions taken by the flight crew.
Singapore Airlines Previously Provided Support
Following the incident, Singapore Airlines said it apologised to affected passengers and provided assistance, including medical support and compensation arrangements.
The airline also reviewed its procedures after the turbulence event.
The UK inquest findings relate specifically to Kitchen’s death. Investigations and reviews into the wider SQ321 turbulence incident involve separate aviation authorities and processes.
