Amir Khan, a British professional boxer, stated that he felt that his American Airlines flight was racist.
Khan, who was raised in Bolton by Pakistani parents, claimed that he and his friend were picked on as they were both Asian boys. This was one week after the 20th anniversary the terrorist attacks on the US.
He was on his way to Colorado with his friend when he and his fellow were escorted from Flight 700 to Dallas/Fort Worth at Newark Liberty international Airport in New Jersey.
American Airlines claims Khan and his colleague were denied entry to the aircraft because they refused to obey crew members' requests to place their phones in airplane mode, stow luggage and wear face masks.
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Khan insists that none of this is true. He only admitted that he was asked once to turn off his phone, which he did right away.
Kay Burley asked Khan if he thought his removal was racist. Khan replied: Yes, definitely. I will stand by that. It was 9/11 one week prior, and then two Asian boys sitting at the front. I hope Im wrong. But I hadn't done anything wrong. It was embarrassing that I was kicked off a plane without any reason.
Khan claimed that he was in 1A and 1B seats with his friend and colleague. He was then asked to end a telephone call. Khan said that his colleague asked him to raise his mask over his nose. He believed it had fallen while he was drinking water.
Khan and his colleague were boarded by three officers.
He stated that he felt terribly treated. It was one week after 9/11. I felt things were tense. However, two Asian men sat in front of the plane and were picked on. Its quite embarrassing really.
When asked if he believes he was taken off the flight due to the color of his skin, the answer was: I'm not saying that, but it could have something to do.
Khan claimed that he was banned from American Airlines and Oneworld flights.
We felt like criminals. He said that we felt like criminals when we were dragged from the plane.
Khan claimed that the officers who took Khan off the plane recognized him later and asked for photos with the ex-world champion boxer.
Sky News received a statement from American Airlines stating that American Airlines Flight 700 was returning to the gate prior to taking off on September 18th. It had been flying from Newark Liberty International Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth. The flight was en route to collect two passengers who refused to comply with crew members' repeated requests to store their luggage, put their cell phones in airplane mode, and follow federal face covering regulations. To learn more about Khan's experience, our customer relations team reached out to him.
American Airlines has been contacted by The Guardian for comment.
