by Atlanta, GA – A Georgia father has filed a lawsuit against Delta Airlines, alleging that a flight attendant slapped him during a heated altercation on a flight from Atlanta to Fresno, California. The incident, which he claims began over a simple request for water, has sparked allegations of prejudice, discrimination, and negligence against the airline.
Father Says Request for Water Escalated Into Assault
According to the lawsuit, Mohammad Shibli was traveling on July 29 with his wife, 4-year-old son, and 2-year-old son when the dispute unfolded.
Shibli stated that his youngest child began crying for water shortly after takeoff. When flight attendants made their rounds, the attendant in question allegedly refused to serve his wife. Shibli then went to the back of the plane to ask for water but said the same attendant again declined, using a “very disrespectful tone.”
Other flight attendants eventually provided water and apologized, but the father claimed the situation did not end there.
Confrontation Turns Physical
Later in the flight, Shibli said the same attendant returned and asked if he wanted water. Frustrated, he declined and asked to be left alone. He claims she then threatened to have police meet him at the gate.
“As she walked back and forth, she bumped into me intentionally,” Shibli told reporters during a news conference. “Another passenger even noticed and asked me, ‘What’s her deal?’”
According to Shibli, the attendant whispered a vulgar word in his ear, prompting him to respond with curse words. At that point, he alleges, the flight attendant took a step toward him and struck him in the face with “an open palm as hard as she could.”
“I was pleading to other flight attendants that I was just assaulted,” he said. “To my surprise, the Delta attendant continued serving passengers as if nothing happened.”
Shibli Describes Trauma and Humiliation
Shibli said the ordeal left him feeling trapped and humiliated for nearly four hours while the flight continued.
“It was painful and embarrassing,” he explained. “As a father, I looked helpless in front of my son. As a husband, I was humiliated. And as a passenger, I feared for my family’s safety and security.”
Allegations of Prejudice and Discrimination
Shibli’s attorney, Ali Awad, argued that the incident was rooted in prejudice, pointing to his client’s wife’s shirt, which displayed the word “Palestine.”
“This was not just an isolated outburst,” Awad said. “We see a pattern of discrimination and, in this case, outright physical violence from Delta employees.”
The attorney referenced a past controversy in which Delta flight attendants were photographed wearing Palestinian flag pins. At the time, critics falsely claimed they were “Hamas badges.” Delta later apologized for the miscommunication and disciplined the employee responsible for the social media response.
Awad claimed the airline has failed to prevent discriminatory behavior within its ranks.
Demands in the Lawsuit
In the lawsuit, Shibli’s legal team is seeking damages and additional requirements for the airline.
“Every Delta employee must undergo education and sensitivity training on Palestine,” Awad said. “Delta ruined my client’s day, and we demand a day of Delta’s profits in return.”
The attorney said the case highlights broader questions:
- Is there a pattern of discrimination against Palestinians by Delta?
- Has there been a history of physical misconduct from employees?
- Has the airline failed in its hiring and oversight practices?
Delta’s Response
Delta has not yet issued a detailed response to the lawsuit. However, in past statements regarding employee behavior, the company has emphasized its commitment to safety, inclusion, and professionalism.
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“We do not take it lightly when our policies are not followed,” Delta said in a previous statement on unrelated incidents.
Why This Case Matters
The lawsuit brings renewed attention to airline passenger rights and how airlines handle conflicts in-flight. If proven true, the case could force airlines to implement stricter training and accountability measures for flight attendants.
For now, Shibli says he and his family are still shaken. “Nobody should ever experience physical abuse like this, especially on a plane mid-air,” he said.
What do you think about this case? Should airlines be held more accountable for mid-air conflicts? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
