United Airlines loses $1 billion in market value after passenger is dragged off plane

UNDER-FIRE United Airlines had more than $US1 billion ($1.3 billion) wiped off its value in one day after a bloodied and upset doctor was dragged off a flight he paid for.

David Dao was forced to leave so staff from a partner airline could have his seat for a connecting flight to Louisville, in the US state of Kentucky.

Shocking video of the incident, in which he is shown bleeding from the mouth and apparently disoriented, provoked fury around the world, The Sun reports.

Even the White House weighed in, with White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer saying: “When you watch the video, it is troubling to see how that was handled.”

Earlier, the carrier’s stock plunged four per cent, but rose after an apology by Oscar Munoz, the CEO of United Airlines’ parent company, United Continental.

Mr Munoz has pledged to review policies, saying passengers should not be mistreated and describing the removal by airport police as “truly horrific.”

“I continue to be disturbed by what happened on this flight and I deeply apologise to the customer forcibly removed and to all the customers aboard,” he added. “We take full responsibility and we will work to make it right.”

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Source: United Airlines loses $1 billion in market value after passenger is dragged off plane | Perth Now