Jet Incident Blamed on Stereotyping

The airline industry’s profile of suspicious passengers is primarily at fault for two Saudi Arabian men being handcuffed and hauled off a plane, Arab American leaders said Saturday.

“When someone asks a funny question, if he happens to be of color, it’s [a] security risk,” said Khalil Jahshan, president of the National Assn. of Arab Americans. Airport officials said an America West pilot became nervous Friday after the two passengers asked suspicious questions during the flight and one jiggled the cockpit door.

When the plane landed at Port Columbus International Airport, the pilot ordered passengers to evacuate while the two were taken into custody. No charges were filed.

The men said they asked questions because they were curious about their itinerary. One man said he was looking for a bathroom.