Delta Airlines faced intense backlash after the company’s social media account said it would be “terrified” if flight attendants wore a Palestinian flag pin, forcing them to issue a groveling apology.
On Wednesday, an X user posted two photos of Delta flight attendants wearing Palestine flag pins, which were incorrectly described as “Hamas badges,” during the flights — prompting a response from the airline.
I hear you as Id be terrified as well, personally,” the airline wrote in a post. “Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take it lightly when our policy is not being followed.” 4 Delta Airlines faced intense backlash after the company’s social media account said it would also be “terrified” over flight attendants wearing a Palestinian flag pin. @Delta/X
Delta, who boasts over 1.6 million followers on the platform, deleted the post the following day and demoted the worker.
“On Wednesday, we removed a reply that was not in line with our values,” the airline said on X. “We strive for an environment of inclusivity & respect for all, in our communities & our planes. The employee responsible no longer supports Deltas social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post.”
A Delta spokesperson said the two staffers were being offered support, according to The Hill.
Later that day, the airline announced a blanket ban on staff members wearing any flag badges, except the American flag, starting July 15.
The Post has reached out to Delta Airlines for further comment. 4 On Wednesday, an X user posted two photos of Delta flight attendants wearing Palestine flag pins, which they described as “Hamas badges.” @iliketeslas/X
The original tweet was in response to a post featuring two images of Delta Airlines staffers wearing Palestinian flag lapel badges.
The X user described the pins as Hamas badges before referencing the 9/11 terror attacks.
“Since 2001 we take our shoes off in every airport because a terrorist attack in US soil,” the tweet read. “Now imagine getting into a Delta flight and seeing workers with Hamas badges in the air. What do you do?” 4 The airline has since issued an apology and has demoted the worker responsible for the tweet. @Delta/X
The post instantly raised eyebrows, including those from The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Start your day with all you need to know
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“Whether this racist post on Delta’s X account was approved or unauthorized, Delta must apologize and take steps to educate its employees about this type of dangerous anti-Palestinian racism,” the organization wrote on X.
“Bigotry against Palestinian-Americans is absolutely out of control in workplaces and at schools — and it must stop.” 4 A Delta spokesperson said the two staffers were being offered support. NurPhoto via Getty Images
In May, JetBlue banned its staffers from wearing flag badges after a Jewish passenger accused the airline of blatant antisemitism following a canceled flight.
The passenger’s trip was scrapped because he objected to a flight attendant wearing a Free Palestine pin during his trip to Las Vegas.