Singapore Airlines (SIA) is facing a double dose of turbulence this week. Following a tragic incident on board flight SQ321, the airline's shares took a tumble in early trading on Thursday. The stock price dropped by more than 1.3% after news broke about the flight encountering severe turbulence while flying over Myanmar on Tuesday. The incident resulted in the death of one passenger, suspected to be from a heart attack and injuries to dozens of others. This comes as a major blow to SIA's reputation for safety and could potentially impact passenger confidence.
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The airline has confirmed that 131 passengers and 12 crew members received medical attention after the plane experienced what they described as "sudden and extreme turbulence." The cause of the turbulence is still under investigation, but such severe encounters can cause serious injuries and even fatalities, especially if passengers are not properly secured.
The incident has also triggered the involvement of international safety organizations. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has announced they are sending an accredited representative to assist with the investigation. Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft involved, is also reportedly in contact with SIA to offer their support.
While the full impact of the incident on SIA's operations remains to be seen, the initial drop in share price suggests that investors are wary. The airline will likely face increased scrutiny in the coming days as they work to manage the fallout from this tragic event.