Cathay Pacific apologises after passenger alleges discrimination

Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd apologised after a passenger accused its flight attendants of discriminating against non-English speakers, prompting China’s state media to criticise the airline for “worshipping foreigners”.

Cathay said the experience of passengers travelling on its CX987 flight from the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu to Hong Kong caused “widespread concern” and said it sincerely apologised.

“We have suspended the flight attendants concerned and launched an internal investigation,” the airline said, adding that any “inappropriate words and deeds” that violated its rules and professional ethics would be dealt with seriously once confirmed.