United States

2 Aviation Officers Fired After United Airlines Dragging Incident: Officials

At least two other officers received a five-day suspension from the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Two aviation officers involved in the infamous United Airlines dragging incident at O'Hare International Airport have been fired from the job, officials revealed Tuesday. 

Inspector General Joseph Ferguson announced the news in his quarterly report Tuesday, adding that at least two other officers received a five-day suspension from the Chicago Department of Aviation. 

The report did not name the officers, but noted the two who were fired included the officer "who improperly escalated the incident and an Aviation Security Sergeant found to have been involved in the deliberate removal of material facts from an employee report."

On April 9, airport security officers in Chicago dragged 69-year-old David Dao from a crowded United Express plane. 

Dao, a physician, was bloodied and yanked off the United Express plane by Chicago airport officers who were summoned by United employees when Dao wouldn't give up his seat. 

The startling incident was captured in a viral video that sparked global headlines. 

The Kentucky doctor has since settled with United Airlines for an undisclosed amount and United Airlines has announced plans to raise the limit — to $10,000 — on payments to customers who give up seats on oversold flights.

The company also said it will increase training for employees as it deals with fallout from the incident.

United is also vowing to reduce, but not eliminate, overbooking — the selling of more tickets than there are seats on the plane.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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