US airlines' criticism of Gulf carriers spurs backlash

Dallas

FIRST, chief executive officers of the three largest US airlines sought to limit the expansion of Persian Gulf carriers in the domestic market because of government subsidies they said provide an unfair competitive advantage.

Now, the head of Emirates has struck back, arguing that American Airlines Group Inc, United Continental Holdings Inc and Delta Air Lines Inc all benefited from US bankruptcy laws that let them shed debt and cut operating costs to continue flying.