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News > World

Actor Claims He Couldn't Fly to New York Because of His Turban

  • The Indian actor, model and designer Waris Ahluwalia in an image of himself on Instagram.

    The Indian actor, model and designer Waris Ahluwalia in an image of himself on Instagram. | Photo: houseofwaris

Published 8 February 2016
Opinion

Aeromexico told teleSUR that U.S. security policies prevented the Sikh man from boarding his flight in Mexico City.

A prominent Indian actor, model and designer is claiming he was prevented from boarding an Aeromexico flight from Mexico City to New York because he was wearing a turban. The airline, however, says it is not at fault, claiming U.S. security policies are to blame.

Waris Ahluwalia, who has starred in several films by director Wes Anderson, posted about the incident on Instagram:

teleSUR asked Aeromexico for comment and the carrier sent us the following statement:

"Regarding the situation of passenger Waris Ahluwalia, Aeromexico always proceeds with strict adherence to protocols of the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before boarding flights when the final destination is that country. We have contacted the passenger and offered him alternatives so he can reach his destination as soon as possible.

We regret this situation and the inconvenience."

The TSA manages the so-called "No Fly List," which works along with the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC). It defines the people who are prohibited from boarding a commercial aircraft for travel in or out of the United States.

Ahluwalia became famous in 2013 for being the first Sikh male model in an advertising campaign by the U.S. multinational retailer GAP.

The name of the global campaign was “make love.” Posters in the New York City subway that featured Ahluwalia wearing a turban were defaced with racist comments.

@WritersofColour

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