Full Breakdown
United Airlines Pilot Ibrahim R. Mossallam Suspended Again Over 2023 Hamas Praise
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Re-imposed Suspension Pending Review
United Airlines announced that Captain Ibrahim R. Mossallam has been withdrawn from flight duties while the carrier conducts an ongoing review. The action follows renewed media attention to Mossallam’s 2023 social-media posts that praised the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
Background & Context
Mossallam posted on Facebook after the October 7 attacks describing the assault as “resistance by a brave people” and “not unprovoked.” United initially removed him from duty with pay in November 2023 and opened an internal investigation. The pilots’ union intervened, allowing him to return after a brief period. United resumed its Newark-to-Tel Aviv service on September 9, 2024.
Timeline
- October 7, 2023 – Hamas attacks; Mossallam later posts supportive comments.
- November 20, 2023 – Mossallam’s Facebook post describing the attacks as “brave” circulates.
- November 2023 – United places Mossallam on paid suspension while investigating.
- Early 2024 – Union negotiations enable Mossallam’s return to flight duties.
- September 9, 2024 – United resumes scheduled flights to Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv.
- September 30, 2026 – Flydubai cockpit incident draws renewed scrutiny of pilot screening.
- 2026 (later) – United announces renewed suspension of Mossallam pending review.
Data & Statistics
- Aviation A2Z reports that United employed Mossallam as of May 28, 2025 and again on October 5, 2026, indicating he remained active on Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft.
- Two United pilots deadheading on a flight operated by Mossallam gave up their first-class seats and occupied cockpit jump seats for the entire trip to monitor him.
Official Statements & Responses
- The pilots’ union, which previously negotiated first-class travel benefits for deadheading crew, blocked an attempt by senior United officials to terminate Mossallam’s employment; the union has not issued a public comment on the latest suspension.
On-the-Ground Reports
United employees expressed distrust of Mossallam after his earlier statements. Sources describe the incident in which two deadheading pilots chose to sit in the cockpit rather than their entitled first-class seats, citing a desire to keep a close eye on the captain during the flight.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sources differ on how long Mossallam was removed from duty after the November 2023 suspension. Some cite a six-month hiatus, while a federal court filing in a 2025 lawsuit suggests roughly one month.
- United has provided no public details about the criteria or timeline of the current review, leaving the outcome unspecified.
Why It Matters / Impact
The case highlights tensions between airline safety oversight, employee conduct standards, and union influence. Re-suspending a pilot for past political commentary raises questions about how carriers assess off-duty speech relative to flight safety, especially after the September 30, 2026 flydubai incident.
What’s Next
United’s internal review remains ongoing, with no announced decision date. The airline’s next public update is expected after the review is completed.