KLM withdrew a World Cup twitter post after the ‘joke’ received widespread protest online.
The Dutch airline posted a picture of an airport departures sign with heading ‘Adios Amigos’ after the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Mexico.
The sign bore the symbol of a man with a moustache wearing a sombrero.
But it was removed by the airline half an hour later after it caused Twitter fury.
Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal told his two-million plus followers that he would never use airline again.
Lifestyle blogger Andy Torres said on Twitter: "@KLM I am an Elite+ frequent flyer with you guys and I always choose KLM. I’m Mexican and I found your tweet condescending and patronizing.
She added: "@KLM I dont know who runs your social media but I think that was an extremely bad move. Absolutely no respect….Have a good evening."
KLM, which operates a daily direct flight between Mexico City and Amsterdam said it never intended to offend Mexicans.
"It was meant to be a joke," said KLM spokeswoman Lisette Ebeling Koning told the Daily Mail, "but there was too much negative reaction."
