India

Indian Bureaucrat Thrown Off British Airways Flight 'Over Crying Son', DGCA To Obtain Report

IANS, 10 Aug, 2018 02:09 PM

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu has directed the aviation regulator to obtain a detailed report from British Airways over an alleged incident of an Indian passenger and his family being asked to de-board the airline's flight in the UK.

"I have directed the DGCA to obtain detailed report from British Airways on the issue," Prabhu tweeted.

The development comes after an Indian passenger, identified as A.P. Pathak a Joint Secretary level officer in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, complained that he and his family were discriminated against on racial lines.

We were travelling to Berlin from London in British Airways, Our son started crying and a flight attendant came and threatened to offload us if our kid doesn't keep quiet and after a while, he called security and we were offloaded: A.P Pathak, Passenger pic.twitter.com/gFm47qgOIw
— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2018

The alleged incident took place on July 23, when the family was travelling from London to Berlin on a British Airways flight.

Pathak has also informed the Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj about the incident.

"After the security announcement was made my wife tied my child to the window seat but he started crying as he was feeling awkward and was a little hungry," he told a news channel.

British airways took concern on racism and inhuman behaviour. The alleged racical behaviour took place on British airways london Berlin flight on 23 July. Thanks to Media for raised the issue....We Indian are united. pic.twitter.com/r8gRKqqsLq
— A P Pathak J S Level oficer Govt of India. (@APPathak4) August 9, 2018

"Crew member shouted at my child and said I will throw you and your family out of the window."

According to Pathak, another Indian family seated behind them "who tried to console the child" was also asked to de-board.

Racist. Dont fly British Airways.We cannot be kicked around. Sad to hear about the Berlin child incident. I stopped flying BA after the cabin crew were rude and had attitude not once but twice even after being a first class passenger. Fly Jetair or Emirates. There is dignity.
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) August 9, 2018

"The plane returned to the airport and the security personnel threatened us, "If you don't come out, we will handcuff you. We were thrown out of the airport."

"I have contacted my lawyers in India and London, he is working on it. If we don't get an apology from the British Airways, and the compensation for the same we will sue British Airways."

"It was totally a racist behaviour."

Shame on @British_Airways for terrorising a toddler and insulting his parents. I hope this insensitive act hurts their business! Dear fellow Indians - please choose any other airline.We don't need BA.They need us!
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) August 9, 2018

On its part, the airline said that the alleged incident is under investigation.

"We are investigating the complaint and will liaise with our customer," the airline said in a statement on Thursday.

"It is a safety requirement for all airlines that passengers are seated and have their seat belt fastened for take-off."

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