A man has filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines claiming racial discrimination after being denied boarding on two separate flights.
The lawsuit filed by plaintiff Majid Hassan alleges that Delta Air Lines discriminated against Hassan and his family on the basis of race. According to the complaint, on November 12, 2024, Hassan and his family were refused boarding on Flight DL 3 from JFK to London-Heathrow without a stated reason. The following day, after purchasing new tickets for Flight DL 5996 operated by Virgin Atlantic, Hassan was again denied boarding due to an alleged ban imposed by Delta Air Lines.
“It appeared to Plaintiff that Defendant 1 singled out and denied the plaintiff and his family alone to board,” the complaint states.
Hassan alleges that these incidents reflect a broader pattern of discriminatory conduct based on race, color, and ethnicity. He claims airline representatives insulted him and used harsh language when he questioned their decisions. Despite arriving at the airport on time while other passengers were still boarding, Hassan was told he was late—a statement he disputes. When asked why other passengers were allowed to board, a representative allegedly responded, “I am helping others.”
Hassan states that he was forced to buy new tickets on American Airlines for both outbound and return travel after being banned from Delta Air Lines. He claims this resulted in emotional distress and approximately $300,000 in financial losses due to missed business engagements in London.
Hassan is seeking declaratory relief under 42 U.S.C. § 1981, compensatory damages for pain and suffering, punitive damages, and reimbursement for legal fees.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Sadaf Saddique of Liberty Law Firm PLLC. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 1:25-cv-03320.