Singapore Airlines Flight Encounters Turbulence Over Myanmar, Resulting In Injuries

Singapore Airlines (SIA) planes sit on the tarmac in Singapore's Changi Airport

On a recent Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, passengers experienced a harrowing incident of extreme turbulence over Myanmar. According to data from aviation tracking site FlightRadar24, the turbulence occurred at approximately 7:49 a.m. UTC (3:49 a.m. ET) while the plane was flying at 37,000 feet.

The airline confirmed that the turbulence occurred over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar, about 10 hours after departure. FlightRadar24's analysis of the data revealed a sudden and significant change in vertical rate during the turbulence event.

Turbulence lasted 90 seconds with abrupt altitude changes.

Extreme turbulence occurred over Myanmar at 37,000 feet.

Pilot diverted the aircraft to Bangkok due to medical emergency.

Following the turbulence, the flight changed course approximately 14 minutes later. The pilot declared a medical emergency and made the decision to divert the aircraft to Bangkok for further assistance.

FlightRadar24's data showed that during the turbulence, the aircraft experienced abrupt changes in altitude, with the plane dipping and climbing multiple times before stabilizing back at its cruising altitude of 37,000 feet. The entire disruption lasted about 90 seconds but resulted in numerous injuries among passengers, tragically including a fatality.