Delta Lawsuit: Palestinian Muslim Passenger Claims Flight Attendant Slapped Him Mid-Air

Recent headlines have put the Delta lawsuit Palestinian passenger case at the heart of nationwide discussions about airline safety, discrimination, and passenger rights. Mohammad Shibli, a self-identified Palestinian Muslim, claims a Delta Air Lines flight attendant slapped him in front of witnesses during a U.S. domestic flight in July 2025. This highly publicized incident has ignited conversations about discrimination in the airline industry, legal accountability, and what rights passengers have when things go wrong at 35,000 feet.

In this article, we'll break down:

What is known about the Delta flight attendant slap incident
The lawsuit's core discrimination and assault claims
Delta Air Lines' response and investigation
Wider patterns of airline passenger assault cases and discrimination lawsuits
Your rights and what recourse exists if you're affected

Incident Details: What Happened on the Flight?

The events unfolded on a cross-country Delta Air Lines flight in July 2025. According to accounts reported by Fox5 Atlanta and The Independent, Mohammad Shibli says he was sitting in his seat, engaged in an interaction with a flight attendant that escalated rapidly. Shibli alleges that the crew member slapped him in the face without provocation, an action witnessed by nearby passengers. Key facts known so far include:

Shibli was reportedly wearing a lapel pin displaying the Palestinian flag — a symbol which, according to his legal team, led to identification and targeting during the interaction.
The incident was allegedly witnessed by several passengers who later corroborated Shibli's account of the slap and shared their shock over the event.
Delta Air Lines has confirmed that the flight attendant involved has been suspended pending investigation. The FBI is also reportedly reviewing the incident. (The Independent)

For more details about initial media coverage and passenger accounts, see the full Fox10 report.

Legal Claims and Demands in the Lawsuit

Represented by civil rights attorney Ali Awad, Shibli has filed a suit against Delta Air Lines demanding $20 million in damages for alleged physical and emotional harm. Notably, the suit also requests mandatory Palestine sensitivity training for all Delta employees — a move viewed as a direct response to claims of ethnic and religious discrimination. Lawsuit highlights:

Assault: The main claim accuses the flight attendant of intentional and unlawful physical conduct.
Discrimination: The lawsuit frames the slap as an incident rooted in anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim bias.
Damages and Policy Changes: Aside from $20 million in damages, the suit seeks corporate reform through Palestine sensitivity training, signaling a call for systemic change within Delta and potentially the broader airline industry.

The case thus sits at a critical intersection of personal injury litigation and civil rights advocacy, reflecting a growing demand for accountability in the travel sector. (Read more on Fox5 Atlanta)

Airline Industry Trends: Assault and Discrimination Cases on the Rise

The period between 2024 and 2025 has seen a spike in airline passenger assault cases and discrimination lawsuits. Airlines have come under increasing public and regulatory scrutiny for alleged misconduct ranging from excessive use of force to discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or appearance. (VisaVerge reports) Recent well-publicized airline lawsuits have involved:

Physical altercations or allegedly inappropriate restraint of passengers
Denial of boarding or services due to religious attire, accent, or appearance
Failure to accommodate dietary or religious needs aboard flights

One of the most infamous precedents was the 2017 incident in which a United Airlines passenger, Dr. David Dao, was violently dragged off an overbooked flight. That case drew global outrage, sparked lawsuits, and forced airlines to re-examine their policies on passenger removal. The Delta case now sits in a similar spotlight, raising fresh questions about how airlines handle conflict and whether discrimination may play a role in staff behavior.

Experts believe the growth in smartphone use, viral videos, and social activism have made it more likely for such cases to surface and trigger legal or PR action.

Delta Air Lines: Policies and Recent Controversies

Delta, like all major U.S. airlines, maintains a public stance supporting diversity, equality, and inclusion. However, recent controversies have put those values to the test.

Several months prior to the incident, Delta was the subject of social media protest after reportedly asking some crew members not to wear pins or badges supporting Palestine, citing company dress code policies. (Fox5 Atlanta coverage)
The company has stated it is taking the recent allegations seriously, vowing cooperation with authorities and a full internal review.

The tension highlights how airline policy, employee discretion, and rapidly shifting public expectations can create high-stakes moments — and legal exposure — for corporations.

Legal Landscape: Understanding Your Rights

Can you sue an airline for being assaulted by staff? The answer is complicated and often depends on the nature of the incident, the airline's policies, and federal and state law:

Federal Aviation Regulations give flight crews broad authority to maintain cabin safety but do not permit physical violence except in the most extreme, justified circumstances. (More at VisaVerge)
Airline Liability: Airlines may be held liable for employee actions if the conduct occurs within the scope of employment. However, intentional assaults sometimes present legal hurdles, as companies may argue staff acted outside of policy.
State Tort Law (personal injury law) often governs these claims. Deadlines ("statutes of limitations") for bringing suit vary by state. Consult updated resources for more details on your jurisdiction.

FAQs: Airline Assault, Discrimination, and Your Legal Options

What happened between Delta and the Palestinian passenger? Mohammad Shibli, a Palestinian Muslim passenger, alleges a Delta flight attendant slapped him during a July 2025 flight. Shibli claims the attack was unprovoked and motivated by discrimination, citing his visible Palestinian identity. The incident is now the subject of ongoing internal, legal, and FBI investigations. (The Independent coverage)

Has Delta responded to the lawsuit? Delta has suspended the accused flight attendant and launched a formal investigation. The airline states it is cooperating with federal authorities and is taking the allegations seriously. No final statements have been issued at this time.

What are my rights if assaulted by a flight attendant? Passengers have the right to expect safe, respectful treatment from airline employees. Assault by a crew member may create grounds for a lawsuit under personal injury and discrimination laws. Gathering witness accounts, documenting injuries, and reporting the event are crucial first steps. It's recommended to consult a qualified legal professional to understand state-specific time limits and remedies.

Are similar lawsuits common in the airline industry? Reports and lawsuits related to airline staff assault and discrimination have grown in recent years, reflecting heightened awareness and reporting of such events. However, successful claims often require clear evidence and can face legal defenses by airlines.

What legal remedies exist for airline discrimination? Legal remedies can include compensation for physical and emotional harm, injunctions to change corporate policy, and occasionally, punitive damages. In cases based on protected characteristics (religion, race, ethnicity), federal civil rights statutes may apply.

How Gillani Law Can Help

At Gillani Law, we understand the complex legal landscape surrounding airline incidents and discrimination cases. Our experienced team can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer:

Free Consultations: Discuss your case with our team at no cost.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We assess the full extent of damages, including physical injuries, emotional distress, and any discrimination-related harm.
Dedicated Representation: Our firm is prepared to take on large corporations to hold them accountable for negligence and discrimination.