Kirk calls for investigation into Delta practices

Sen. Mark Kirk said Friday he wants an investigation into whether U.S. airlines violate the Constitution by going along with Saudi Arabian policy to deny entry to travelers with passports showing they've entered Israel.

Kirk's call came amid controversy over whether an airline that had recently entered a partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines was following this practice.

Kirk said the debate “has raised an issue. A shot across the bow is helpful.”

The airline, Delta, says it does not discriminate or condone it against anyone, spokesman Trevor Bansetter wrote on the company's blog.

That said, he continued, “some have raised questions about whether Saudi Arabian Airlines' membership in SkyTeam means Delta is adopting any type of policies that could present barriers to travel for some passengers, including Jewish customers.”

Saudi Arabia bans anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport from entering the country.

“For this particular concern, it's important to realize that visa requirements to enter any country are dictated by that nation's government, not the airlines, and they apply to anyone entering the country,” Bansetter said. “We, like all international airlines, are required to comply with all applicable laws governing entry into every country we serve.”

He noted that American Airlines, US Air and Alaska Airlines have similar agreements with Saudi Air.

Still, Kirk said he believes an investigation into the airline's practices and reviewing the airline alliance agreement will serve to “lay down a marker” as the country's civil aviation system expands.