United Airlines: Outrage over passenger dragging continues

The viral video of 69 year old David Dao, a resident of Kentucky being dragged off by Aviation security officers from United Airline’s Flight 3411 had caused a furor globally. Even after three days, the outrage shows no sign of ebbing. Lawmakers have asked for a full investigation into the matter and a review into the existing laws governing Airlines policies. United Airline has been forced to change its tone in face of the mounting criticism.

Oscar Munoz, the company’s chief executive officer initially sided with the crew and said that they observed proper protocol. He blamed Mr. Dao for the incident saying that he didn’t leave peacefully when asked and defied the officials. But in a recent interview to ABC News Oscar Munoz said he was ashamed of the way the passenger was treated. He also said he regretted his earlier reaction to the violent incidence.

“He was a paying passenger sitting in a seat on our aircraft, and no one should be treated that way,” Mr. Munoz said.

The airline have apologized for the incident and offered full refund to every passenger on the flight, they have also said that they will not use airport security forces to remove passengers from flights again. Meanwhile the Department of Aviation in Chicago also acted in the aftermath of the incident. Violently removing passengers from flights is not the protocol and they have placed two more officers on leave in addition the officer who was placed on administrative leave on Monday.

Lawyers for David Dao have meanwhile filed a request with a state court in Illinois that would require the airline to preserve audio recordings, surveillance videos, lists of passengers and any other evidence relevant to the incident. The lawyers claimed that Dr. Dao was treated with serious prejudice. Dr. David Dao was left with a bloodied face and was treated in a Chicago hospital. His lawyers said that one of his daughters will appear for a news conference on Thursday.