Air France Enforces Israeli Ban on Pilots from Muslim-Majority Countries

Air France Enforces Israeli Restrictions on Flight Crew from 31 Countries

Air France has agreed to implement an Israeli directive prohibiting pilots and cabin crew holding certain nationalities from operating flights to Israel, including citizens of several Muslim-majority countries, according to an investigation by French media outlet Mediapart.

The restrictions cover nationals of 31 countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, Iran and Pakistan. French citizens who also hold citizenship of any country on the list are reportedly subject to the same restrictions.

Although the directive is based on nationality rather than religious affiliation, it effectively bars flight crew from several Muslim-majority countries from working on Israel-bound flights.

According to Mediapart, Air France has notified affected employees that they can no longer operate flights to Israel under the Israeli requirements. The airline has also reportedly instructed staff to disclose any additional nationalities they hold, warning that failure to comply could lead to disciplinary action.

The decision could expose Air France to legal challenges in France over potential discrimination. The airline has not yet publicly responded to Mediapart's findings.

Israeli broadcaster N12 reported that Israel's Ministry of Transport issued the directive on 1 October. The measure requires airlines to ensure that pilots and cabin crew entering Israeli airspace do not hold citizenship, including dual nationality, of countries that lack diplomatic relations with Israel.

The restrictions were introduced following an alleged incident on 30 September involving an Omani co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports alleged that the co-pilot attempted to take control of the aircraft and crash it into a terminal at Ben Gurion Airport.

According to accounts from Israeli and UAE authorities, the co-pilot later told UAE investigators that he had acted alone. However, the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident have not been independently verified, and limited information about the co-pilot has been made public.