Pilot accuses US authorities of 'racial profiling'
A British pilot was hauled off a transatlantic flight at the last minute because he had a “Muslim sounding name”, he said today.
Amar Ashraf, 28, originally from Wrexham in North Wales, was returning to his home in the British Virgin Islands this morning when he was told to leave the plane and questioned by police.
As the flight took off he was left stranded blaming American authorities for “racial profiling.”
“I guess I just meet the profile,” he said.
“They told me they weren’t taking any passengers on stand-by but deep down I think it was racial profiling. It’s really demoralising.
“There are a lot of bad apples out there giving me a bad name. I’m just in the mix of it.”
He added: “It’s a bunch of baloney.”
Mr Ashraf, who has lived in the US for 10 years, captains domestic US flights.
The airline he works for is partner airline of Continental, allowing him access to stand-by flights. He said the plane was ready for take off when he was forced to get off.
He said the flight, which was due to depart at 9.25am, was delayed by two hours.
“I fell asleep and the next thing I knew I was woken up and the shock was that personnel wanted to take me off the plane.
“My bags had been taken off and they said they wanted me to ’step aside’.
“I’m sure there were other passengers on stand-by.”
After being questioned by police for “about five minutes” Mr Ashraf was left wandering the airport trying to find a way home.
“As a pilot I go through a lot of extensive background checks. I was questioned about where I am going, what I am doing, that kind of thing.
“It’s because of the US Transportation Security Administration. I wouldn’t say it’s the airline’s fault, it’s the TSA that I have an issue with. They must have just pulled my name from a list.”
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