Air China under fire for 'Racist' warning

Air China has come under fire after reportedly warning passengers to exercise caution when visiting areas of London "mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people".

AIR CHINA A330-243 B-6115 (CN 909)                File Photo

Air China advises tourists "not to go out alone at night, and females always to be accompanied by another person".
The advice in Air China's inflight magazine came to light after Beijing-based journalist Haze Fan posted a picture of the article on Twitter. Social media users were quick to pick up on the article, which has been described as "ignorant" and "blatantly racist".
In a feature on visiting the capital, the airline urges travellers to be wary and take precautions when entering high ethnic minority areas in the capital.
The excerpt read: "London is generally a safe place to travel, however precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people.
"We advise tourists not to go out alone at night, and females always to be accompanied by another person when travelling."
Virendra Sharma, Labour MP for Ealing Southall, said he had raised the issue with the Chinese ambassador to the UK to demand an apology from the airline.
"I am shocked and appalled that even today some people would see it as acceptable to write such blatantly untrue and racist statements," he said.

"I have raised this issue with the Chinese ambassador, and requested that he ensures an apology is swiftly forthcoming from Air China, and the magazine is removed from circulation immediately.