Virgin Atlantic in Palestinian couscous row

Virgin Atlantic has found itself at the centre of a social media row after removing the word Palestinian from an in-flight meal following complaints. A couscous-style salad had been described on a menu as "inspired by the flavours of Palestine". Pro-Israel social media users called for a boycott of the airline, saying it pandered to Palestinian supporters. However, the airline's decision to remove the terms sparked a fresh backlash from Palestinian sympathisers. Virgin Atlantic said the airline chose to name the dish Palestinian couscous salad as the main ingredient, maftoul, is not widely-known. Maftoul is often referred to as Palestinian. A spokesperson said: "We'd like to reassure all customers that our sole intention was to bring new flavours on-board, and never to cause offence through the naming or renaming of the dish." <br/>