Continental Airlines settles discrimination allegations with US government

Airline Industry Information, April 5, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Continental Airlines has reached a settlement with the US government concerning allegations of discrimination by the airline.

The Transportation Department reportedly started receiving complaints that the carrier had discriminated against travellers believed to be of Arab, Middle Eastern or South Asian descent following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. The department launched an investigation and found that Continental Airlines acted in a manner inconsistent with federal laws barring discrimination.

The airline claims no wrongdoing, but has agreed to provide civil rights training over the next two years to its pilots and cabin crew.

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