Group files complaint against Delta, alleging racial profiling

The Council on American-Islamic Relations chapter in Cincinnati on Thursday requested a federal investigation into an incident involving two Muslim passengers who allegedly were removed from a Delta Air Lines flight in Paris.

The married couple, Faisal and Nazia Ali, are U.S. citizens of Pakistani descent who on July 26 were headed home after a trip to France, according to CAIR, a Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization.

Passengers had been waiting 45 minutes for the flight to take off when the Alis were asked to leave the plane, according to CAIR. The couple was told a flight attendant was not comfortable having them on the flight.

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Delta said in a statement it “condemns discrimination in regards to age, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or gender” and “is deeply committed to treating all of our customers with respect.”

The airline said it was “concerned by the allegations,” is investigating the matter and will issue a full refund of the passengers’ air fare.

To read more on the incident and the Council on American-Islamic Relations' complaint, get the full story on MyAJC.com.

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