New directives from Israeli authorities are significantly altering international airline operations, compelling carriers like Air France to prevent pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel from operating flights to and from the nation. This development follows an alleged cockpit assault on September 30, 2026, aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, and recently led to an Ethiopian Airlines flight being ordered to turn back mid-air.
Reports published on October 13 by French investigative outlet Mediapart and aviation intelligence firm ch-aviation indicate that Air France and US-based United Airlines have already notified their flight and cabin crews regarding these new requirements. Czech carrier Smartwings has also taken steps to comply with the regulations, highlighting a growing concern over the impact of nationality-based restrictions on global airline staffing and route assignments.
The intensified enforcement stems from the September 30 incident, where Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchar in an attempt to seize control of the aircraft. Oman is among the nations that do not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel, placing its citizens under the purview of these restrictions.
The immediate impact of these stringent rules was observed on Tuesday, when Israeli authorities instructed an Ethiopian Airlines flight to return to Addis Ababa. The aircraft, which had been airborne for approximately an hour within Ethiopian airspace, carried an Indonesian pilot, a national of another Muslim-majority country without diplomatic relations with Israel. Following a crew change in the Ethiopian capital, the flight resumed its journey and successfully landed in Tel Aviv with a replacement pilot.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Ethiopian Airlines described the incident as an error, stating they were unaware the pilot was prohibited from operating flights to Israel. Israeli broadcaster N12 reported that the country's Ministry of Transport and Road Safety formally notified foreign airlines of these requirements on October 1. These restrictions encompass both pilots and cabin crew, including those with dual citizenship, from 31 Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Niger.
Image: siasat.com
đź“° Source: Siasat Gulf