Continental Airlines has apologised to former president APJ Abdul Kalam for any misunderstanding and inconvenience related to the security screening at the international airport here on April 21.
“We have tendered a formal apology to Dr Kalam and we sincerely hope he will fly with us again,” said a statement by the airline.
“Our intention was never to offend him or the sentiments of the people of India. Continental Airlines takes great pride and is honoured to have flown a respectable leader such as Kalam,” the statement reads.
Kalam was frisked in violation of the mandatory protocol at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport before he was to board the US-bound Continental Airline flight on April 21. The staff of the airline frisked him, after which he was allowed to board the plane.
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, when asked if the government would take further action after the airline has tendered apology to the former president, said: “I don’t know whether they have apologised or not and the government will consider what is to be done in the future.”
The statement by Continental Airlines further reads that its commitment to comply with regulations mandated by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) of India as well as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the US.
While ensuring compliance with TSA and BCAS requirements imposed upon us, we sometimes encounter circumstances wherein the TSA and BCAS regulations are not compatible.
We hope the respective government authorities resolve these differences at the earliest in order to avoid any recurrence of this situation in the future.
“Continental Airlines is also formally addressing the queries raised in the showcause notice issued by BCAS and received by us on July 20, 2009,” added the release.
It is a shameful that world renowned scientist, a respectable dignitary who has been conferred the highest covetd award 'Bharat Ratna'by the Government of India, ex President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was subjected to frisking as a security check at IGI airport, New Delhi by the US Continental Airways before boarding the aircraft, while flying to New York. While the Continental Airways deserves condemnation for this disrespectful gesture extended to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Indian government also is to blame for not extending due respect by providing a senior government official as an escort to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at IGI Airport, New Delhi.
Fist thing government has to do after this incident stop US-based Continental Airline services to India no negotiation.
Secondly cross question to the security personal who were responsible for ex president security? What are they doing, what is the reason to be there with ex- president?
If both thing governments can't do, give me the opportunity to tackle humiliation of our pride.
Pushkar
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