Two cabin crew members were injured aboard a Scoot flight to Guangzhou on June 9, 2025, after the aircraft encountered 32 seconds of severe turbulence while flying over international waters. According to the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), the incident occurred because the flight crew could not secure the cabin in time due to heavy radio traffic and an unexpected encounter with weather.
Why did the Scoot flight encounter turbulence?
The incident occurred approximately 50 minutes into the flight while the plane was cruising in the Ho Chi Minh flight information region. According to the TSIB, the flight crew noticed the aircraft’s speed beginning to climb, which they interpreted as a signal of potential turbulence ahead. The pilots intended to request a deviation to the right of their flight path to avoid weather, but high volumes of radio traffic prevented them from contacting air traffic control immediately.
The pilot decided to fly through a green patch of weather returns on the radar, believing it contained only light precipitation. Before the pilots could issue a public address announcement for the cabin crew to suspend services and take their seats, the aircraft was struck by turbulence. The TSIB reported that some cabin crew members were lifted off the floor and fell during the 32-second event.
Flight crews are permitted to deviate from their flight paths without prior air traffic control clearance if necessary to avoid weather. Scoot has since reminded its crews of this authority and instructed them to use special radio frequencies if standard channels are congested.
How are airlines changing turbulence management?
Following the TSIB findings, both Scoot and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have implemented procedural reviews. According to SIA, the carrier has spent the last two years enhancing its in-flight management processes. These updates include new tools on pilot electronic flight tablets designed to help crews better anticipate and avoid turbulent air.
SIA also reported that it has strengthened training for both pilots and cabin crew, improved passenger seat-belt communication protocols, and introduced new guidance regarding the use of weather radar. Scoot confirmed it has conducted a refreshed training module on turbulence management for all cabin crew members. Both airlines stated that the crew members involved in these incidents have since returned to their regular flying duties.
What are the new protocols for cabin safety?
The TSIB investigation highlighted a critical window of time between identifying weather and the onset of turbulence. The bureau noted that had the fasten-seat-belt sign been activated earlier—coupled with a direct announcement to the cabin crew—the staff might have had sufficient time to secure themselves.
The TSIB has issued new guidance for flight crews:
- Proactive Signaling: If a crew is in doubt, they should switch on the fasten-seat-belt sign and make a PA announcement immediately.
- Emergency Cycling: In cases where time is too limited for a formal announcement, pilots are advised to cycle the fasten-seat-belt sign switch more than once to alert the cabin crew to secure themselves.
Airlines are increasingly sharing weather radar reports with aircraft manufacturers to improve the precision of onboard detection systems. Passengers can assist by keeping their seat belts fastened whenever seated, even when the sign is off.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Were any passengers injured on the Scoot flight?
- No. The TSIB confirmed that no passengers or flight crew were injured during the incident. Only two cabin crew members sustained injuries.
- What is the TSIB?
- The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) is an agency that investigates air, marine, and rail accidents and incidents to improve safety standards.
- Can pilots change course without permission during weather events?
- Yes. Following this incident, Scoot reminded its pilots that they have the authority to deviate from their flight path to avoid weather without waiting for prior clearance if the situation requires immediate action.
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