The pilot of an American Airlines jet was detained after making an obscene gesture when being photographed at the airport as part of a newly imposed entry requirement for U.S. citizens, federal police said.
Eleven crewmembers from the airplane arriving from Miami were also detained, police said. Brazil imposed requirements that Americans be fingerprinted and photographed at entry points in response the similar rules in the United States for citizens of Brazil and other countries whose citizens need visas to enter. American Airlines spokeswoman Martha Pantin said the incident was the result of a misunderstanding under investigation by the airline, but did not provide more details. "The company apologizes to the Brazilian government, the airport authorities, the police or anyone else who may have perceived anything they believe to have been disrespectful," Pantin said. She said the pilot and crew were still at the airport Wednesday afternoon. Police said the pilot and crew were expected to leave the country later Wednesday. Various Brazilian news reports said the crew was detained for laughing at the pilot's gesture or for refusing to submit to the fingerprinting and photographing. Police would not give a reason for the crew's detention. The incident is the latest flap in growing diplomatic spat between Brazil and the United States over the entry rules. Some American visitors have expressed annoyance at Brazil's requirements, while Brazil's Foreign Ministry said the U.S. rules could lead to a souring between the two nations.
