Designer Barred From Flight Because Of Turban

An actor and fashion designer has been barred from an Aeromexico flight from Mexico City to New York because he refused to remove his turban during a security check.

Waris Ahluwalia, who founded House of Waris, posted a picture on his Instagram account holding up his boarding pass in protest at what he claims was racial profiling carried out by the airline.

He wrote: "This morning in Mexico City I was told I could not board my @aeromexico flight to NYC because of my turban. #FearisanOpportunitytoEducate #humanrights #dignity #lovenotfear."

The 41-year-old, who appeared in The Grand Budapest Hotel, has refused to use a different airliner to fly back to the US for New York Fashion Week and remains in Mexico as he demands an apology from the airline and for staff to receive training.

He wrote: "Update. 13 hours later. Still in Mexico City. No traveller should be subjected to what I was today. All we're asking for from @aeromexico is an apology and education/training of the staff."

Mr Ahluwalia, speaking to the New York Daily News, said: "This isn't about me. This isn't about one person or about religious tolerance.

"This is about civil rights and racial profiling and if I have to be a part of that dialogue, I will be.

"(Removing the turban) is not something that I would do in public. That's akin to asking someone to take off their clothes."

Male Sikhs must cover their hair, which is uncut, with a turban.

Mr Ahluwalia reportedly asked for a private screening room to remove the turban, but was apparently refused.

In a statement on Monday, Aeromexico said it was obligated to comply with "all federal requirements established by the US Transportation Security Administration Agency (TSA) for screening passengers on US-bound international flights".

It added that it "regrets the inconvenience the other customers may have experienced with the application of these procedures".