Qantas Airways crew members refused to fly with Arabs

Airline Industry Information, Sept 30, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Australian carrier Qantas Airways was forced to replace four crew members on a flight after they refused to fly.

The four crew members reportedly refused to fly on board a flight from Sydney to Perth as they were allegedly suspicious of four Arab passengers - three located in business class and one in economy. The Arab passengers allegedly turned out to be VIP guests of the country's air force. The aircraft departed more than an hour behind schedule after a new crew was called up.

Qantas Airways has admitted the incident, and its chief executive is said to be furious although he has not commented publicly, Reuters reported.

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