Delta Air Lines Implements New Uniform Policy Following Palestinian Flag Pin Controversy

Delta Air Lines has made significant changes to its employee uniform policy after facing backlash over the display of Palestinian flag pins by two flight attendants, sparking a heated controversy on social media.

The new dress code alteration, which officially came into effect on Monday, prohibits staff members from wearing pins representing any nation other than the United States.

A passenger’s post on X, formerly known as Twitter, featuring images of the Delta flight attendants wearing Palestine flag pins without their consent and referring to them as ‘Hamas badges,’ quickly went viral and stirred widespread criticism towards the airline.

Following the publication of the images, Delta’s official account on X initially responded saying, ‘Nothing to worry, this is being investigated already,’ further adding, ‘I hear you as I’d be terrified as well.’ The post was later removed by Delta, which issued an apology for what they deemed a ‘hurtful post.’

Delta’s Association of Flight Attendants addressed a letter to the company’s CEO Ed Bastian on July 11, expressing concerns over the situation where the flight attendants faced harassment after unauthorized photos were circulated on social media with false and discriminatory allegations.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a leading Muslim civil rights group in the United States, called out Delta’s response as an instance of ‘anti-Palestinian racism.’

Delta stated that the policy adjustment aims to promote a safe, welcoming environment for all employees and customers, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and respect in their brand identity.

The airline’s move comes amidst ongoing tensions related to Israel’s conflict with Hamas, which has triggered demonstrations across the United States and on college campuses.