Click to play videoNew Delhi: A day after a national outrage in the Parliament over the treatment of Former President Abdul Kalam, Continental Airlines finally said sorry.
A statement issued by the airline reads, "Our intention was never to offend Dr Kalam or the sentiments of the people of India. Continental Airlines takes great pride and is honoured to have flown a respectable leader such as Dr Kalam. While ensuring compliance with Transportation Security Administration and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security requirements imposed upon us, we sometimes encounter circumstances wherein the TSA and BCAS regulations are not compatible".
But that last line in the apology has triggered a debate over the rules for airline security.
Continental clearly puts the blame on the conflict of rules set by the Indian and American aviation authorities, even suggesting that they be reconciled to avoid further problems.
Continental Airlines maintains that US Transportation Security Administration requires final security check without exemption.
That apology though has not pulled Continental out of turbulence. Aviation Minister Praful Patel is bent on punishing those responsible for insulting the former First Citizen of the country.
“Bureau of Civil Aviation security on getting information, conducted a preliminary inquiry on July 9. After that an FIR was lodged yesterday. Whatever legal action has to be taken will be taken,” he said.
Obviously he is adamant that Indian laws be followed as the person concerned is India's former President.
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