Sikh Actor barred from flight for refusing to remove turban

AeroMexico did not allow a well-known Sikh man to board a plane Monday because of his beard and turban.

Popular Sikh star Waris Ahluwalia was blocked from boarding a New York-bound Aero Mexico flight Monday morning after he refused to remove his turban for a security check. In two Instagram posts this morning, Ahluwalia used the hashtag #FearIsAnOpportunityToEducate, and indicated that he wants this to be a teachable moment.

In another post, Ahluwalia holds his boarding pass, which has a clearly marked “SSSS”.

Ahluwalia, 41, was prepared for the extra attention, but didn’t realize his turban would be a problem.

Some organizations have slammed the “SSSS” process as potentially racist or ethnically discriminatory.

“I’ve had the magic four S’s before”, the actor said.

A commenter who goes by the handle @alevogelc wrote: ‘I’m sorry for what happened, I really apologize on behalf of all the ignorant people of @aeromexico, but don’t worry you got our support! sending you love from Mexico’.

Ahluwalia is known for his dapper style, which usually includes a slim suit, custom-made pink suede George Esquivel desert boots, and a simple black turban-which he wears in accordance with his Sikh faith.

“That is not something that I would do in public”, he said. “You will need to book another flight”.

“I was shaking at first”, he said.

When he refused he was told that he would have to find another plane.

A spokesperson from AeroMexico confirmed Ahluwalia was removed from his flight.

Ahluwalia said he would remove his turban if he were taken to a private screening room, he told the News, but that request was denied. “The Sikh Coalition has done that with the TSA and many other airport authorities with success”, he said.

“This is a chance for growth”, he said.

Ahluwalia is nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for his supporting role in Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta’s crime saga Beeba Boys.