Three Sikh Indian musicians who were ordered off a plane at Sacramento International Airport on Nov. 15 have filed complaints of discrimination and racial profiling with federal transportation officials and US Airways.
The musicians, who had performed in the Sacramento area as part of a U.S. tour, had passed through airport security with no problems and were already in their seats when a US Airways representative approached and asked them to get off, their attorney said Wednesday.
The musicians, who wear traditional Sikh turbans, were on their way, via Phoenix, to perform in Salt Lake City.
The men's English is limited, but they complied with the request. Once off the plane, they were told, through a Punjabi translator on a telephone, that the pilot refused to take off with the men on board, said attorney Jaspreet Singh, a New York-based attorney with United Sikhs, an international organization.
"The US Airways representatives were unable to give a clear explanation for why the pilot wouldn't fly with them," Singh said. "The interpreter finally told them, 'Just listen, don't do anything else. Just take the offer of a hotel overnight and they'll put you on a Delta flight in the morning to Salt Lake City.' "
"They were very, very upset about this," Singh said of the musicians, who are well known classical Sikh musicians – one of them elderly – who travel frequently.
US Airways representatives confirmed that they spoke with Singh on Wednesday about the incident.
James Olson, US Airways spokesman in Phoenix, said that "based on some observations from passengers and airline personnel" the three men were asked to get off Flight 493 to Phoenix because of "potential security concerns."
The airline decided to allow the flight to leave without the men, Olson said. He declined to explain the alleged security concerns.
After resolving the concerns raised, "US Airways provided overnight accommodations and rebooked these travelers on the next nonstop flight from Sacramento to their final destination," according to an airline statement.
In a press release, Sikhs United said: "There is no satisfactory justification for US Airways to treat people in this way. This is a clear violation of civil rights, and they must take immediate action to address this issue."
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Sikhs have been erroneously identified as Muslims and have been the targets of hate crimes and killings in the United States.
Call The Bee's Susan Ferriss, (916) 321-1267.
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