ATLANTA- A Passenger, Mohammad Shibli, has announced plans to file a $20 million lawsuit against Delta Air Lines (DL) after alleging that a flight attendant slapped him during a flight from Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT) on July 29, 2025. He was traveling with his wife and two young children at the time of the incident.
Shibli, who is Palestinian-American, is demanding both financial compensation and mandatory sensitivity training on Palestine for all Delta employees.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the amount sought but also due to the cultural and political issues tied to the lawsuit.
Representative Photo: Delta Air LinesDelta Passenger $20 Million Lawsuit
Shibli stated that the conflict began when he asked for water for his two-year-old child before the service cart reached his row. The initial request was denied by a flight attendant, though another attendant later provided the water.
When the cart eventually arrived, Shibli said words were exchanged, and he alleges that the same flight attendant intentionally bumped into him.
He further claims that the flight attendant later slapped him with an open hand, loud enough for a nearby passenger wearing noise-canceling earbuds to hear.
According to Shibli, he did not respond physically and remained seated for the rest of the 4-hour flight, feeling humiliated in front of his family. Upon arrival in Fresno, he said law enforcement officials questioned the flight attendant.
His attorneys released a supporting witness statement during a press conference, emphasizing that the alleged assault was audible and visible to other passengers.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Delta Air Lines, N356DN, Airbus A321-211, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87516894Delta’s Response
Delta Air Lines issued a statement confirming that while the airline does not comment on pending litigation or internal investigations, it is taking the matter seriously. The flight attendant involved has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The airline also faces pressure due to additional claims Shibli linked to discrimination. He highlighted that his wife wore a shirt referencing Palestine, noting Delta’s uniform rules do not allow flight attendants to wear Palestinian flag pins.
While the company has previously faced controversy over pin policies, Delta maintains that restrictions apply uniformly to all non-approved symbols.
Photo: By BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada – Delta Boeing 737-800 N3753, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25906481Legal Strategy
Shibli is seeking one day of Delta’s profits, approximately $20 million, arguing that his “one bad day” should equate to one day of the airline’s earnings.
Delta’s reported pre-tax income of $5 billion last year equates to roughly $13.7 million per day, though Shibli’s attorneys are basing their claim on higher quarterly earnings.
Legal experts suggest the lawsuit faces significant hurdles. Delta is likely to argue that if the slap occurred, it was a personal act outside the scope of the attendant’s duties.
Under Georgia law, proving the airline is directly responsible for an employee’s alleged personal misconduct sets a high bar. Additionally, Delta can invoke arguments under federal aviation law, including claims that actions taken during in-flight conflicts fall within safety-related discretion.
Reported by View From the Wing, industry analysis indicates that punitive damages are capped at $250,000 in Georgia unless clear intent to harm is proven, making the $20 million demand unrealistic.
These legal limits constrain even sympathetic juries, especially in cases that lack medical costs, wage loss, or documented physical harm.
Photo: Clément AlloingBroader Implications for Airlines
Beyond the immediate legal dispute, the case highlights the increasing scrutiny of passenger–crew conflicts. Federal regulations under 14 C.F.R. § 121.580 and 49 U.S.C. § 46504 give crew members broad authority to maintain order, but these do not grant a license for physical assault.
Airlines must carefully balance passenger rights with crew safety responsibilities, particularly when accusations involve cultural or political sensitivity.
The public has reacted in mixed ways, with some people questioning the legitimacy of the $20 million demand and others highlighting larger issues of bias and airline accountability.
The involvement of attorneys active on social media has further amplified attention, turning the case into a high-profile legal and cultural flashpoint.
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The post Delta Passenger Files $20 Million Lawsuit After Getting Slapped from Attendant appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
