Singapore Airlines turbulence: mandatory seat belt rule throughout flights is impractical, analysts say

Further flight safety measures such as a mandatory seat belt rule at all times would be difficult to enforce, aviation experts say in the aftermath of a turbulence-hit Singapore Airlines flight that left one dead and dozens injured.

The wearing of seat belts was a personal responsibility and the incident would serve as a reminder to passengers, they added.

Passengers have told media outlets that the turbulence hit almost immediately after the seat belt light came on and those who were not buckled in were thrown in the air, hitting the aircraft’s ceiling before slamming back down. Breakfast was also being served at the time.

Singapore Airlines said on Thursday that following the incident, it had “adopted a more cautious approach to managing turbulence in-flight”, including suspending meal services and having crew members return to their seats and put on their seat belts during an activation of the seat belt sign.

The crew would also continue to advise passengers to return to their seats and secure their seat belts, and monitor customers who may require help including those in the lavatories, the spokeswoman added.

Asked if rules should be tightened for passengers to enforce the wearing of seat belts while seated, chief ground instructor at Seletar Flight Academy Albert Tiong said it was not feasible to do so.

“The travelling public generally accepts that seat belts ought to be fastened during take-off and landing, and whenever the seat belt signs are turned on during turbulence. But to leave them on throughout the flight during cruise is not very practical,” he said.

“This accident, with so much media coverage, already serves as a reminder about having seat belts fastened while seated.”

A Flight Safety Foundation spokesman agreed