Air France Bars Crew Members From 31 Countries From Israel-Bound Flights Following Israeli Directive

French airline Air France is barring pilots and cabin crew who hold citizenship from 31 countries from operating flights to Israel, reportedly in compliance with an Israeli directive. The list includes Algeria, Tunisia, Iran and Pakistan, with restrictions also applying to French citizens who hold dual nationality with any of the countries concerned.

According to a report published by Middle East Eye on October 11, citing an investigation by French investigative outlet Mediapart, Air France informed affected employees that they could no longer work on flights bound for Israel following instructions from Israeli authorities.

The airline has also instructed employees to disclose any additional nationality they hold and warned that disciplinary action could follow if they fail to comply.

Although the restrictions do not explicitly refer to any religion, Muslim pilots and cabin crew from the affected countries are also barred from operating Israel-bound flights. The policy could expose Air France to legal challenges in France.

Air France has not publicly commented on Mediapart's findings, Middle East Eye reported.

Israeli broadcaster N12 reported that Israel's Transport Ministry issued the directive on October 1. Under the order, pilots and flight attendants holding citizenship of countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel are prohibited from entering Israeli airspace. The restriction also applies to individuals holding dual nationality with those countries.

The directive reportedly followed an incident on September 30 involving a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. An Omani co-pilot was accused of attempting to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into a terminal at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.

According to reports, the individual told investigators in the United Arab Emirates that he had acted alone. However, the information provided by Israeli and Emirati authorities has not been independently verified, and little additional information about the pilot has been made public.

He joined Flydubai in January 2026, after previously working for several airlines, including Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc.

Israeli broadcaster Channel 13 reported that at least one Israeli airline was reviewing the identities and backgrounds of approximately 2,500 pilots and cabin crew members working in the country's aviation sector.

Middle East Eye said it had sought comment from Air France regarding the restrictions but had received no response by the time of publication.