CHICAGO, (MILLAT ONLINE/APP/AFP) – The chief executive of embattled
United Airlines unequivocally apologized Tuesday for an incident in which a passenger was dragged off a plane, and promised a thorough review of the airline’s practices.
The apology came after a torrent of criticism of the carrier’s action on a flight Sunday and its initial explanation of it.
In images now seen around the world, a passenger was forcefully removed and bloodied in the process — the entire event captured on video by passengers and posted on social media.
The 69-year-old passenger, Dr. David Dao, had refused to be “bumped” from the overbooked flight — an airline practice that has come under increased scrutiny since the incident.
“I continue to be disturbed by what happened on this flight and I deeply apologize to the customer forcibly removed and to all the customers aboard,” CEO Oscar Munoz said.
“I want you to know that we take full responsibility and we will work to make it right.”
The comments were in stark contrast to the company’s initial response, in which it seemed to at least partially blame the passenger, inflaming worldwide outrage.