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Jet Airways said it has suspended the pilot. Picture: Sam Panthaky/AFP
INDIAN carrier Jet Airways says it has suspended a foreign pilot from flying duty over allegations he assaulted a woman and hurled racist abuse at another passenger on a domestic flight.
The Mumbai-based airline confirmed the incident took place on April 3 on a Chandigarh-Mumbai flight, adding the pilot in question had been taken off the flying roster soon after and an apology had been extended to the victim.
“As regards the said incident, Jet Airways has noted guest feedback with concern and regrets the incident,” Jet Airways said in a statement on Wednesday.
Jet Airways said it has suspended the pilot. Picture: Sam Panthaky/AFPSource:AFP
“The airline has, as per policy, initiated a full-fledged investigation, based on specific inputs from guests, concerned departments and agencies.”
Cricketer Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the scandal, although he clarified that he had not witnessed the incident first-hand.
“Not only was he racist, but physically assaulted a lady and abused a physically challenged man ... absolutely disgraceful and shame on @jetairways,” said India’s out-of-favour spinner on Twitter, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reprimand the airline and its pilot.
Scandals have dogged the airline industry in recent weeks, particularly in the United States after United Airlines drew global outrage for forcefully dragging a passenger off an overbooked flight.
Footage of the April 9 incident captured by fellow passengers went viral on social media and caused a public relations calamity for the carrier and airport officials.