On September 30, 2026, an Omani co-pilot attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight.
The following day, October 1, 2026, Israeli authorities issued a directive to foreign airlines operating to Tel Aviv. The directive introduced new crew nationality restrictions, stating that airlines must comply with entry regulations set by the countries they serve. The rules specifically aim to prevent nationals of countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel from working on flights to or over Israeli territory.
Air France enforces Israeli ban affecting pilots from Muslim countries
Two weeks later, on October 14, 2026, Air France announced that it would bar pilots and crew members from Pakistan from working on its flights to Israel. The airline said the move was required to adhere to the Israeli regulations, which also affect crew from 30 other states, notably Iran and Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of restricted nationalities to 31.
Two weeks later, on October 14, 2026, Air France announced that it would bar pilots and crew members from Pakistan from working on its flights to Israel.
Smartwings and United Airlines also received the Israeli directive but have not confirmed any changes to their operations. The restrictions have sparked debates on nationality-based discrimination in the aviation sector.
Air France Enforces Israeli Ban on Pilots from 31 Nationalities Air France has agreed to enforce an Israeli directive barring pilots and cabin crew holding 31 nationalities from operating flights to Israel, including Algerian, Tunisian, Iranian and Pakistani nationals, according to a Mediapart investigation published on 10 October. The restrictions also affect French citizens holding dual nationality with any of the listed countries. Israel’s Transport Ministry reportedly issued the directive on 1 October, citing security concerns following an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to seize control of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on 30 September.