World Duty Free has confirmed that it operates a strict politically neutral dress code and will investigate complaints about staff wearing Palestinian flags and watermelon badges at Manchester Airport, following a complaint from UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).
The company’s Chief Executive, Fred Creighton, responded to UKLFI after a Jewish passenger reported being distressed by the sight of several employees wearing Palestinian political symbols while working in the duty-free shopping area at Manchester Airport Terminal 2.
The incident occurred on 13 October 2026, when the passenger noticed at least three members of staff wearing badges displaying Palestinian flags and watermelon symbols, which have become widely associated with the Palestinian cause.
The passenger found the displays upsetting and intimidating, particularly in the current climate of heightened antisemitism and hostility towards Israel. When the passenger asked to speak to a manager, the manager himself was wearing a Palestinian flag badge. Asked whether employees were permitted to wear political badges, he reportedly replied that they were, although he was unable to clarify whether this reflected official company policy.
UKLFI subsequently wrote to World Duty Free, part of the international Avolta Group, expressing concern that allowing employees to display political symbols while serving customers could create an intimidating or hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli passengers.
UKLFI pointed out that section 29(3) of the Equality Act 2010 prohibits harassment by service providers, and that employers may be liable for unlawful acts committed by employees in the course of their employment.
While acknowledging that displaying Palestinian symbols does not necessarily constitute unlawful harassment, UKLFI argued that the cumulative effect of several employees, including a manager, wearing such badges could make Jewish and Israeli customers feel unwelcome or intimidated.
UKLFI called on World Duty Free to investigate the incident and introduce and enforce a clear policy prohibiting political badges and slogans while staff are on duty.
In a letter dated 16 October 2026, World Duty Free CEO Fred Creighton confirmed that the company already had a strict policy of political neutrality.
He wrote:
“Thank you very much for bringing this matter to our attention. We take your feedback about your client’s experience at Manchester Airport extremely seriously.”
He added:
“At this stage, we can confirm that we have a strict politically neutral dress code intended to ensure that customers of all nationalities, religions and political persuasions feel welcome and respected.”
Mr Creighton said “We will investigate the circumstances referred to in your letter and will take action in accordance with our internal policies.”
A spokesperson for UKLFI commented:
“We welcome World Duty Free’s confirmation that it has a strict politically neutral dress code and that it is investigating this incident.
“International airports should be welcoming environments for passengers of every nationality and religion. Customers should not be confronted with contentious political messaging from employees while shopping or travelling.
“Staff are entitled to their political opinions, but displaying political symbols while representing their employer is a different matter. This is particularly important when Jewish and Israeli passengers are already experiencing heightened levels of hostility and antisemitism.
“We hope World Duty Free will ensure that its policy is consistently enforced, so that all passengers can shop without feeling intimidated or unwelcome.”