Turbulence Injures Passengers on World's Best Airline, Pilots Warned

Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) has issued a fresh warning to pilots following two turbulence incidents that injured cabin crew aboard Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot flights. The bureau stressed that weather radar may not always accurately depict the severity of conditions outside the aircraft.

In its final report, TSIB stated that the cases underscore the need for flight crew to exercise caution when operating near adverse weather and to take early action to reduce the risk of turbulence-related injuries.

The first incident occurred on 27 June 2025, when an SIA Airbus A350-900 was descending towards Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The two pilots chose to navigate through a gap between two weather cells that appeared safe on radar. However, after emerging from a cloud layer, the aircraft found itself dangerously close to one of the storm cells and was struck by turbulence. Six cabin crew members were injured, one suffering a fractured left ankle. No passengers were hurt as the seatbelt sign was on, but the TSIB noted that the risk to crew could have been reduced had they been instructed to sit down earlier.

Following the incident, Singapore Airlines updated its turbulence management procedures, encouraging pilots to adopt a more conservative approach. The airline also incorporated unexpected turbulence scenarios into its pilot and cabin crew training and introduced a Rapidly Developing Cumulus Area (BRCA) tool to help pilots monitor potential turbulence more accurately.

The second incident involved a Scoot flight bound for Guangzhou on 9 June 2025. While flying through the Ho Chi Minh flight information region, the pilot detected weather that could cause turbulence and planned to change course. However, a request to air traffic control was delayed due to radio frequency congestion. The pilot decided to pass through an area that radar indicated had only light precipitation, switching on the seatbelt sign. Before cabin crew could be instructed to stop service and sit down, the aircraft was hit by turbulence lasting about 32 seconds. Two crew members were injured, one seriously, as they were momentarily lifted off the cabin floor. All passengers remained unharmed.

TSIB concluded that the crew could have had more time to secure themselves if the seatbelt sign and announcement had been made earlier. The bureau also reminded pilots that in urgent situations, they may deviate from their flight path without waiting for clearance to avoid dangerous weather. All Scoot crew have since undergone retraining on turbulence management.

Both Singapore Airlines and Scoot said they accepted TSIB’s findings and have strengthened safety protocols, including enhanced training, advanced turbulence detection technology, and refined operational procedures.