Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash: SIA Facebook posting slammed by netizens

A screengrab of Singapore Airlines' Facebook posting that the airline does not fly over Ukraine airspace, which has come under fire by many users who felt that it was in bad taste. -- SCREENGRAB: FACEBOOK / SINGAPORE AIRLINES
A screengrab of Singapore Airlines' Facebook posting that the airline does not fly over Ukraine airspace, which has come under fire by many users who felt that it was in bad taste. -- SCREENGRAB: FACEBOOK / SINGAPORE AIRLINES

PETALING JAYA (The Star/Asia News Network) - A Singapore Airlines Facebook posting that the airline does not fly over Ukraine airspace has come under fire by many users who felt that it was in bad taste.

The claim is also being questioned with reports stating that flight SQ351 was about 25km away from the ill-fated MH17. Facebook users felt that the SIA notice, which was uploaded early yesterday, was "aimed at taking advantage of a tragedy".

//

The posting, which said: "Customers may wish to note that Singapore Airlines flights are not using Ukraine airspace", attracted more than 500 comments after it was uploaded on the airlines official Facebook page.

"Really, Singapore Airlines, that's all? Classy update," wrote a user using the name Michael Reit.

"How about at least acknowledging the terrible event and sending condolences to those families and friends involved instead of this cold, classless update," Reit added.

"Express condolences first rather than telling the world you are not flying on the same path.... this is such a worst statement ever omg," wrote Vivian Wong Siu Ming.

Others, however, defended the posting, saying that it was not done in bad faith.

"I don't see how this update is insensitive. I see it more of a reassurance instead of being some business ploy," wrote Eng Su Yee Aeth.

"I am sure there are many passengers who are waiting for a direct update like this so that they can have peace of mind. Why not pray for the victims first instead of making a fuss out of this?" the user added.

SIA later posted a Facebook page expressing its condolences over the tragedy.

"Our thoughts are with the passengers and crew of MH17, and their families," read the posting.

Singapore Airlines had yet to respond to questions posed by The Star about the posting at press time.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.