Trump order stuns pilot at SFO | Latest Travel News
Abrupt news from the White House created disorder among passengers on a flight taking off from San Francisco International Airport on Friday.
Emirates flight EK226 was scheduled to depart from SFO and head to Dubai at 5:05 p.m. Hours before the flight, President Trump signed a proclamation that added a $100,000 charge to H-1B visas for overseas employees. As news started to journey through the airplane about adjustments to the visa guidelines, a rush of passengers demanded to deboard.
“It was complete chaos for Emirates passengers at San Francisco Airport this Friday morning,” Masud Rana posted on Instagram. “… As a result, I was stuck in the same spot for over three hours, waiting for the flight to depart.”
Passengers are usually not allowed to disembark an plane once onboard. But in video footage from the flight, the captain announced over the loudspeaker that passengers could be allowed to depart the plane.
“Due to the current circumstances, obviously they are unprecedented for us here at Emirates, we are aware that a number of passengers do not wish to travel with us and that is perfectly fine,” the captain said over the loudspeaker. “All we ask is that if you wish to offload yourself, you do so.”
The H-1B visa is usually held by immigrants who have specialised expertise that tech corporations discover troublesome to fill by Americans. While it is unclear how many tech employees in the Bay Area use H1-B visas, a report from the Silicon Valley Index discovered that 66% of Silicon Valley tech employees are born exterior of the United States. After the announcement, Trump clarified that the $100,000 charge will not apply to present H1-B visa holders.
Passengers who selected to keep on board have been delayed over three hours, according to Flight Aware. The flight took off from SFO at 8:20 p.m.
Emirates declined to remark on the incident.
BEST OF SFGATE
History | Why a rich banker blasted a big gap in a Bay Area cliff
Local | There’s a mansion hidden immediately under the Bay Bridge
Culture | Inside the Bay Area’s cult-like obsession with Beanie Babies
Local | The world’s last misplaced vacationer thought Maine was San Francisco
Get SFGATE’s top tales despatched to your inbox by signing up for The Daily publication right here.
Fuel your wanderlust with the latest in journey! Our web site brings you vacation spot guides, journey ideas, cultural experiences, hidden gems, and every little thing you need to explore the world smarter.
For thrilling journey tales, professional suggestions, and trending locations, go to us repeatedly by clicking right here.