Israel has introduced new restrictions preventing pilots and cabin crew who are citizens of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel, including individuals holding dual nationality, from operating flights to and from Israel. Air France has confirmed that it will comply with the new regulations. The company has stated that it must adhere to the entry requirements established by the authorities of the countries it serves. The airline's pilots and cabin crew are reportedly warned that violations could result in disciplinary measures against the airline and employees involved.
The restrictions are based on the information published by Israeli broadcaster N12. According to the broadcaster, Israel’s Ministry of Transport and Road Safety notified foreign airlines on 1st of October that pilots and cabin crew operating flights must not possess citizenship, including dual citizenship, of any country with which Israel lacks diplomatic relations.
Although reports identify 31 countries being affected. The number varies across sources. An internal scheduling memorandum from United Airlines reportedly listed 29 countries. The common names include Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia. The directive requires international airlines to review their crew assignments and make changes to ensure compliance. Airlines employing personnel from the affected countries could need to reassign pilots and cabin crew members to routes that do not involve Israel. As a result, the policy could create operational challenges for international airlines employing crew members from the countries concerned and raises concerns about nationality-based treatment of airline personnel and the potential implications for international aviation
The new measures were rumoured to be introduced following an incident on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30th of September. An incident report issued by the airline the day before the restrictions took effect has been cited in connection with the development. Al Jazeera, referring to information from Emirati and Israeli authorities, alleged that the Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian captain and attempted to hijack the aircraft. The co-pilot was also accused of attempting to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. According to the reports, the Indian captain sustained injuries and was recovering in hospital.
Israel issued the directive the following day. However, the reports do not independently establish a direct connection between the reported incident and the introduction of the nationality- based restrictions. Therefore, the incident and the subsequent policy announcement should be treated as related developments rather than as a confirmed cause and effect relationship.
Air France is among the airlines that have acknowledged the restrictions and indicated their intention to comply. Smartwings, the Czech Republic’s largest airline, has also confirmed receiving the directions from the Israeli authorities. Smartwings’ spokesperson, Vladimira Dufkova, told Al Jazeera that the airline received the instructions in September 2026. The company had reviewed the requirements and was monitoring and complying with the regulations. The airline further stated that the directive had not affected its flight operations, crew management or staffing arrangements for services to and from Israel. Suggesting that the restrictions had not resulted in operational changes for the company at the time of its response. United Airlines has also reportedly notified its pilots and cabin crews about the nationality based requirements. However , the US carrier declined to provide further details and did not confirm whether it had received the formal directive from Israeli authorities or taken specific measures in response.
The implementation of these restrictions places additional responsibilities on the international airlines operation routes involving Israel. Carriers may need to examine employees’ citizenship status, assess staffing arrangements and ensure that their flight operations comply with the applicable rules. At the same time, it raises concerns about potential discrimination as it restricts airline personnel based on nationality rather than individual qualifications or conduct. It may also create operational challenges for the airline by limiting crew assignments, increasing administrative burdens and potentially disrupting flight schedules. Furthermore, the policy could raise questions about fairness, employment rights and consistency with international aviation practices.
