11 February,2016 07:24 AM IST | | Agencies
The Sikh actor accepted the apology after Aeromexico pledged to improve its training on screening passengers with religious headwear
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New York: Mexico's flag carrier Aeromexico has apologised to Waris Ahluwalia, a Sikh-American actor who was barred from boarding a New York-bound flight by its officials after he refused to remove his turban during a security check.
Ahluwalia felt 'great' about the apology, but said there's more work to be done. Pic/AP
Ahluwalia (41) was not allowed to board the Aeromexico flight from Mexico City to New York on Monday. Ahluwalia accepted an apology from the airline after Aeromexico pledged to improve its training on screening passengers with religious headwear, the Sikh Coalition, a civil-rights group representing him, said.
The apology
Aeromexico offered apology, saying it "recognises and is proud of the diversity of its passengers". "We apologise to Mr Waris Ahluwalia for the bad experience he went through with one of our security personnel," Aeromexico said in a statement. The airline said it works to maintain strong security measures while respecting its passengers' cultures and beliefs.
Ahluwalia felt "great" about the long-awaited apology, but said there's more work to be done. Ahluwalia, who is also a designer, said those who wear turbans shouldn't face discrimination. Aeromexico's apology "is a brilliant first step" but "there is a lack of understanding," Ahluwalia told CNN. He thanked the airline for its apology, but called the gesture "past-looking" and that he wants to talk about "steps [to be taken] in the future."