Nuts or nothing! Korean Airlines executive delays flight over first class service spat

Korean Air Lines apologized for inconveniencing passengers after the daughter of its chairman ordered a crew member off a flight for serving bagged nuts in first class.

South Korean daily Segye Ilbo reported the flight from New York City to Incheon, South Korea returned to the gate after Cho Hyun-ah told the head of cabin crew to leave the plane. The flight departed 20 minutes late.

Cho is vice-president responsible for cabin service at the airline.

South Korea's government said it is investigating whether Cho violated aviation safety law.

Korean Air Lines Co. said Tuesday it was "natural" for Cho to fault crew's ignorance of procedures. The nuts should have been served on a plate.

It said it will step up training to improve customer service and safety.