Delta’s chief executive Richard Anderson told CNN that the Gulf carriers had used the post-9/11 period to grow, paid for by subsidies from their governments.

This, he said, meant it was ironic that Gulf carriers were complaining about the state aid given to US airlines following the attacks.

He added: “It’s a great irony to have the UAE from the Arabian Peninsula talk about that, given the fact that our industry was really shocked by the terrorism of 9/11, which came from terrorists from the Arabian Peninsula.”

Anger at his comments drew an apology from Delta, which Emirates rejected.

The Dubai-based carrier said in a statement: “We believe that the statements made this week by Mr Anderson were deliberately crafted and delivered for specific effect.”

It added that this “brings into question his credibility as a CEO of a US public listed company”.

Delta has apologised for any offence and said it “didn’t mean to suggest the Gulf carriers or their governments are linked to the 9/11 terrorists”.