Kuwait Airways Scraps London-New York Flight over Israeli Passenger Controversy
This week, Kuwait Airways announced the cancellation of flights between JFK and Heathrow in London due to potential legal action over alleged discrimination against Israeli passengers. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has previously warned Kuwait Airways about potential illegal discrimination for refusing to sell a ticket to a passenger with an Israeli passport.
In September, the DOT wrote a letter to Kuwait Airways, giving them 15 days to explain how they will comply with anti-discrimination laws moving forward. The move comes after a complaint from an Israeli citizen, Eldad Gatt, who said he was unable to buy a ticket online in 2013 because Israel could not be selected as his country of origin.
Kuwait Airways confirmed that they would be canceling flights between JFK and Heathrow, and online booking sites showed that the airline no longer had any flights scheduled in the future.
The DOT rejected Kuwait Airways' reasons for refusing to sell Gatt a ticket, stating that they did not comply with Kuwaiti law. Kuwait Airways claimed that they did not sell tickets for flights involving Israel or Israeli passengers, but they maintained that they did not discriminate against passengers based on race or nationality, as long as they had a valid Kuwaiti passport.
Jeffrey Lowicki, an attorney representing Gatt, said that Kuwait Airways' cancellation of the New York-London route did not solve the problem. "Unfortunately, they chose to go this route instead of accepting Mr. Gatt as a passenger," he said. "We hope that Kuwait Airways will abandon its persistent discrimination against Israeli citizens."
Lowicki noted that the flights could be rescheduled if Kuwait Airways appeals a petition filed in November with the US Court of Appeals. Kuwait Airways did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What's the deal with discrimination in aviation?
Discrimination in aviation is a complex issue that is addressed through a combination of international aviation regulations and agreements, such as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in the United States. Airlines are required to comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations, and refusing to sell tickets based on nationality could potentially violate these principles.
However, specific actions by the US Department of Transportation in response to Kuwait Airways' policy would need to be verified through additional sources or official statements from the department. If Kuwait Airways were found to be violating US laws or regulations by discriminating against passengers based on nationality, the DOT could potentially take action under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or other relevant statutes.
With tensions between Israel and several Middle Eastern nations, it's not uncommon for airlines to refuse to sell tickets to Israeli passengers, either indirectly through the booking interface or explicitly via customer service. This practice is often motivated by political and diplomatic considerations rather than legal ones.
Could Kuwait Airways expand its reach beyond this controversy?
Despite the controversy surrounding Israeli passengers, Kuwait Airways could consider expanding its aviation reach to include popular travel destinations, utilizing modern aviation technology to ensure a seamless journey for all passengers.
Due to the ongoing situation, it would be beneficial for Kuwait Airways to engage in dialogues with aviation authorities and human rights organizations, promoting understanding and openness in its travel policies, while maintaining compliance with local laws. By addressing the concerns surrounding discrimination, Kuwait Airways could strengthen its reputation and broaden its customer base, which would ultimately benefit both the airline and its passengers.
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