Israel has barred pilots and cabin crew members who hold citizenship or dual nationality from countries without official diplomatic relations with Israel from operating flights into or over its airspace, prompting several international airlines to revise crew assignments.
The restrictions cover nationals and dual nationals of more than 30 countries without formal relations with Israel, including Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia. The rules apply to both flight deck personnel and cabin crew.
The directive follows a September 30, 2026, incident in which an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked an Indian captain and attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
International carriers have adjusted their crew planning to comply with the restrictions, including Air France, US-based United Airlines and Czech carrier Smartwings.
Air France has barred Pakistani pilots and cabin crew members from working on flights to and from Israel as Israeli authorities tighten enforcement of the rules. The restrictions apply to airline employees based on their nationality and also cover crew members who hold dual citizenship in the affected countries.
Enforcement of the policy also resulted in an Ethiopian Airlines flight being ordered to return to Addis Ababa after Israeli authorities discovered that an Indonesian pilot was aboard the aircraft.
Airlines operating services affected by the Israeli requirements have revised assignments to ensure that pilots and cabin crew from countries covered by the restrictions are not scheduled on those flights.
