Russian woman sues Asiana Airlines for W2.35tr over alleged discrimination

Asiana Airlines is facing a damages lawsuit worth 2.35 trillion won ($1.76 billion) filed by two plaintiffs, including a Russian national.

Asiana Airlines disclosed Wednesday that Iana Rodionova and one other person had filed a $1.75 billion damages claim against the carrier.

The suit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, represents 228 percent of Asiana Airlines' consolidated equity capital of around 1.03 trillion won as of the end of last year.

The plaintiffs took issue with a document verification procedure conducted during check-in for a flight from Da Nang, Vietnam, to Incheon International Airport.

They alleged they were subjected to racial discrimination during the document check and sought compensation for emotional and material damages, as well as punitive damages.

Asiana Airlines denied discriminating against the passengers on the basis of nationality or any other grounds, saying the check was a routine document verification procedure carried out during standard boarding processes.

"Whether and to what extent the company will ultimately bear liability will be determined as the legal proceedings unfold," Asiana Airlines said.