Air France is enforcing an Israeli directive barring pilots and cabin crew holding certain nationalities from operating flights to Israel, including personnel from several Muslim-majority countries. The restrictions reportedly affect 31 nationalities, including citizens of Algeria, Tunisia, Iran and Pakistan, as well as French citizens who hold dual nationality with any of the countries concerned.
According to an investigation by French media outlet Mediapart, reported by Middle East Eye, Israel’s Ministry of Transport issued the directive on 1 October 2026. The order requires airlines to ensure that crew members entering Israeli airspace do not hold the nationality, or dual nationality, of countries that lack formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
The measure reportedly followed an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot working for flydubai to seize control of a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight on 30 September. The incident raised security concerns after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. The plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where the suspect was subdued.
Although the directive does not explicitly target any religion, its implementation has raised concerns because several affected countries have predominantly Muslim populations. Critics may view the policy as discriminatory, particularly where employees with French citizenship are also excluded from Israel-bound flights because of their other nationality.
Mediapart reported that Air France informed affected staff that they could no longer operate flights to Israel under the directive. The airline also reportedly instructed employees to disclose any additional nationality they hold and warned that failure to comply could result in disciplinary action.
The decision has prompted questions about the extent to which a foreign government can influence the employment arrangements of workers at a European airline. It could also expose Air France to legal challenges in France over possible discrimination based on nationality.
Air France had not publicly responded to Middle East Eye’s request for comment by the time of publication. Meanwhile, the restrictions have intensified debate over aviation security, equal treatment in the workplace and the wider political implications of Israel’s relations with countries across the Muslim world.
