Continental Airlines is facing a lawsuit in the United States for removing two Saudi Arabian diplomats from a Minneapolis-Houston flight for speaking a foreign language, it has been reported.
According to the Houstan Chronicle, the incident occurred in 2009 after the Saudi Arabia Consulate General employees had boarded their flight and were asked to change seats by a flight attendant.
The men complied with the request, but were later asked to relinquish their replacement seats too and questioned the demand. Despite producing their diplomatic credentials, they were apparently escorted from the plane by the pilot and an enforcement officer.
The diplomats allege they were told that the reason for their removal was because they spoke an unspecified foreign language.
The plaintiffs seek attorney fees and court costs, reimbursement for the Continental flight and their substitute transportation, and other damages including compensation for mental pain and anguish.