Singapore Airlines make major change to flight rules following serve turbulence that saw British man die

Strict new rules have been introduced by Singapore Airlines following the tragic death of a British man on a flight which encountered severe turbulence.

The world is still reeling from the sinister incident in the skies which unfolded on 20 May last week that left dozens of passengers injured and father-of-two Geoffrey Kitchen, 73, dead.

Ten hours into a journey from London Heathrow to Singapore, the flight hit 'severe turbulence' and dropped by 6,000ft in a few minutes with 211 passengers and 18 crew onboard.

Devastating images show the aftermath of the dramatic incident which forced the plane to make an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

The flight from London to Singapore had to make an emergency landing in Bangkok after experiencing severe turbulence. (X/@tinchok555)

The husband of one passenger who has been left with a 'life changing injury' has since told how his wife was thrown from her seat and into an overhead locker before landing in the aisle during the terrifying turbulence.

Many travellers have since undergone surgery as medics deal with a host of spinal cord, brain and skull injuries.

Now, Singapore Airlines have announced that their in-flight polices have had a major overhaul as the firm has 'adopted a more cautious approach to managing turbulence'.

The carrier said that they will no longer be serving hot drinks and meals when the seatbelt sign is on.

In a statement shared with The Independent, Singapore Airlines continued: "During poor weather conditions, particularly in turbulence, cabin crew will continue to secure all loose items and equipment in the cabin and galley to minimise the risk of turbulence-related injuries.

"Pilots and cabin crew are aware of the hazards associated with turbulence. They are also trained to assist customers and ensure cabin safety throughout the flight.

Singapore Airlines has made changes to its in-flight policies in wake of the incident. (Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"[Singapore Airlines] will continue to review our processes as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance."

It added that flight attendants will 'continue to advise passengers to return to their seats and secure their seat belts' as well as keeping a close eye on travellers who may require assistance.

Reports also suggest that Singapore Airlines appear to have altered the flight path for SQ321, as the two journeys it has completed since the deadly incident have dodged the area where the turbulence hit.

It has not flown over the part of Myanmar where everything went awry and has instead been soaring over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, according to data from aviation tracker FlightRadar 24.

On Saturday, the airline said there were still 43 passengers and two crew members in various hospitals in Bangkok.

Seven of those - three Australians, two Malaysians, one Brit and one New Zealander - are in intensive care.