(CNNMONEY.COM) A clumsy comment from Delta's CEO, apparently linking Gulf-based air carriers with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has sent the Atlanta-based airline into a PR tailspin.
The comment came amid a war of words between U.S.-based air carriers and their Arabian counterparts over what they say is unfair government help.
U.S. carriers claim that the "Gulf Three," Etihad, Qatar, and Emirates airlines are receiving billions of dollars in subsidies and have done so for many years, if not decades. They also allege that government handouts to Etihad have enabled the funding of new routes and new aircraft.