Delta Air Lines has updated its policy to permit only American flag pins for flight attendants, following online criticism of two flight attendants who wore Palestinian flag pins while on duty.
The Atlanta-based airline announced the policy change over the weekend, stating it would take effect starting Monday, as reported by The New York Times.
The policy shift comes after images of two flight attendants wearing Palestinian flag pins circulated on social media platform X last week. One commenter referred to the pins as “Hamas badges,” likening them to symbols of the U.S.-designated terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip. Delta’s response on its official social media account exacerbated the situation, with a message saying, “I hear you as I’d be terrified as well, personally.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Delta’s response, calling it “the latest example of anti-Palestinian racism.”
Delta has since deleted the controversial response and issued an apology, stating that the tweet “was not in line with our values.”
“We strive for an environment of inclusivity and respect for all, in our communities and on our planes. The employee responsible no longer supports Delta’s social channels. We apologize for this hurtful post,” the airline said on X.
Prior to the policy change, airline employees were permitted to wear non-U.S. flag pins.
“The photographed flight attendants were compliant with Delta uniform guidelines and we’ve been in touch with them to offer support,” a Delta spokeswoman told The New York Times.
The incident is the latest example of how the Israel-Hamas conflict has impacted U.S. businesses. Earlier this year, Google dismissed over 50 employees who protested the company’s collaboration with the Israeli military.