Lufthansa agrees to a record $4 million fine for its treatment of Jewish passengers
NPR Online NewsOct 27
The Facts
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined Lufthansa $4M for allegedly discriminating against Jewish passengers in May 2022. This marks the largest civil rights penalty ever issued against an airline.
It's alleged that Germany's flagship airline denied 128 Orthodox Jewish passengers boarding on a connecting flight from Frankfurt to Budapest, despite many not knowing each other or traveling together.
The Spin
Narrative A
The DOT's action sends a clear message that discrimination in the air travel industry won't be tolerated. The Lufthansa staff's behavior involved a blatant violation of civil rights. The airline's subsequent efforts to address antisemitism and discrimination are necessary to prevent future incidents.
Narrative B
This incident was caused by miscommunication and misjudgment, not intentional discrimination. Lufthansa has fully cooperated with the DOT review process and taken proactive measures to improve its practices. The airline remains committed to being an ambassador of goodwill, tolerance, diversity, and acceptance.