Briton sues Singapore Airlines after turbulence fractured spine

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 13, 2026

British passenger Bradley Richards, seriously injured during severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore in May 2024, is suing the airline alongside six other UK passengers over injuries sustained in the incident. The lawsuits, which also follow a passenger's death and ongoing claims for compensation, highlight disputes over the airline’s liability as the cases proceed in the UK High Court.

A British passenger who sustained serious spinal and neck injuries during severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight is pursuing legal action against the airline two years after the incident. Bradley Richards, a fibre engineer from Benfleet, Essex, was injured when flight SQ 321 from London Heathrow to Singapore’s Changi Airport suddenly dropped 178 feet within five seconds in May 2024, according to preliminary investigation reports.

Richards, who was en route to Bali for a holiday, was asleep during the turbulence and awoke to find himself bleeding from the head amid chaos on the aircraft. He described scenes of children screaming, passengers lying in the aisles, and scattered luggage. The flight, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, was diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing.

Following the landing, Richards was hospitalised and diagnosed with multiple fractures in his spine and neck. Now back in the UK, he told reporters he continues to struggle with the long-term impact of his injuries, which have forced him to transition from a physically active field role at Open Reach to desk-based work. Richards is among seven UK passengers who have initiated lawsuits against Singapore Airlines seeking compensation for personal injuries sustained during the flight.

The turbulence also resulted in the death of Geoff Kitchen, 73, who suffered a suspected heart attack. His wife, Linda Kitchen, 74, sustained serious spinal injuries requiring intensive care and is also pursuing legal claims against the airline. The Kitchens, from Thornbury near Bristol, had been on the flight together, and Linda Kitchen described the loss of her husband as devastating to their family.

Other plaintiffs from the UK named in the High Court proceedings include Jack Jenkins, Hannah Fullerton, Andrew Dawood, Bryan Matthews, and Pauline and Michael Rainey.

Singapore Airlines’ CEO Goh Choon Phong issued an apology to those on board following the turbulence event. However, the airline has not admitted legal liability in ongoing litigation. A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines stated it could not comment on matters before the court.

James Healy-Pratt, a partner at Keystone Law representing several of the claimants, criticised the airline’s refusal to accept responsibility, saying it prolongs legal proceedings and increases costs for the injured passengers. The cases continue to be heard in the UK High Court.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.