Why We're Calling for Pressure on United Airlines

A recent report compiled by the Movement Research Unit, Palestinian Youth Movement, People’s Embargo for Palestine, and the Democratic Socialists of America found that United Airlines has been transporting thousands of shipments of weapons and explosives to Israel aboard civilian passenger flights--including out of Dulles Airport, a major hub for the airline.

By carrying weapons of genocide under the feet of everyday passengers, United Airlines is enabling the war economy, Israel’s human rights violations, and war crimes. Cargo on commercial flights includes critical components for F-35 fighter jets and armored tanks, as well as military electronics and essential hardware. Among these items are armored tank sights, gunner display units, aircraft bomb-release units, helmet displays, and other components necessary for military operations. These war materials are destined for Israel's Ministry of Defense, Israeli military air bases, and major arms manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems—including Elbit facilities in Rehovot, Ramat Hasharon, and Karmiel.

The report tracked military shipments back to domestic flights originating from major U.S. travel hubs, including:

• Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD)

• New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

• Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Houston (IAH) and Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW)

• San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX)

Every ticket purchased on United Airlines helps sustain a network that feeds weapons directly into a genocide. As consumers, our money is our leverage.

New York City DSA’s Anti-War Working Group has been doing essential work with their "Break the Chain" campaign since 2025 to demand that local infrastructure stop serving as a weapons pipeline through a multi-pronged organizing strategy that includes labor organizing, community outreach and research.

Last month, DSA’s National Arms Embargo Committee launched the Arms Embargo Campaign, building on the momentum of New York’s Break the Chain Campaign. In solidarity with Palestine, the national level campaign will stop the flow of weapons across the Atlantic with an organized, ground up movement led by workers, unions, and the community at large.

While campaigns are a long game, everyday travelers hold the immediate power to hit United Airlines where it hurts most: their bottom line.

Apartheid-Free Baltimore urges everyone to take immediate action by pledging to boycott United Airlines and choosing alternative carriers. Spread the word about the United boycott by sharing information with your networks to help spread the message: no more weapons in our skies and no more complicity in genocide.

Read the full report compiled by the Movement Research Unit, Palestinian Youth Movement, People’s Embargo for Palestine, and the Democratic Socialists of America.

Stay informed about Arms Embargo Organizing in DSA and learn ways to plug in to the work happening with DSA National’s Arms Embargo Committee.