Ryanair has apologised and launched an internal investigation following a complaint about a staff member wearing a pro-Palestinian badge during an interaction with a passenger at London Stansted Airport.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “It is not Ryanair policy for staff to wear badges, symbols or other items that might be considered political, divisive or potentially offensive to passengers or colleagues, and we sincerely apologise for any offence or concern that may have arisen where this policy was not adhered to.”

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) wrote to Ryanair about the incident, which occurred on 21 February 2026 at a Ryanair help desk at Stansted. A customer had reported that a Ryanair employee was wearing a badge depicting a clenched fist wrapped in a Palestinian flag — a symbol often associated with the “Free Palestine” movement. The customer also alleged that after politely raising concerns about the badge, the staff member responded aggressively, calling him “racist” and “disgusting” and threatening to cancel his ticket.

UKLFI explained that the symbol could be interpreted as aggressive or intimidating toward Jewish or Israeli passengers and argued that staff displaying such political imagery while serving the public could create a hostile environment.

UKLFI asked Ryanair to investigate the incident, review its dress code policy and ensure that staff are not permitted to wear political insignia while on duty.

Ryanair said in its response to UKLFI that it had issued a reminder to all relevant staff reiterating the airline’s longstanding policy that political paraphernalia — such as badges, symbols or any items that might reasonably be considered offensive or that could give rise to misunderstanding or discomfort among passengers — is not permitted while on duty or in uniform. The airline said this policy includes the Palestine fist badge worn by the staff member in the complaint.

Ryanair emphasised that it takes such concerns seriously and reaffirmed its commitment to equality and respect for passengers. The airline said it opposes all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism, and emphasised that its workforce represents more than 65 nationalities and operates across dozens of countries.

Ryanair also confirmed that the aggressive response by its staff member is being reviewed under its internal disciplinary procedures.

The dispute highlights the growing sensitivity around political symbolism in public-facing roles, particularly in environments such as airports where staff interact with passengers from diverse backgrounds.

A UKLFI spokesperson said:   “We appreciate Ryanair taking the issue seriously and reminding staff of its policy on political insignia. Public-facing staff should remain neutral to ensure that passengers from all backgrounds feel respected.”