Air France has confirmed it will comply with new Israeli restrictions that limit who can fly to and over Israel based on nationality. The restrictions, reported by Israeli media and the French publication Mediapart, affect nationals from 31 Muslim-majority countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Niger, who are no longer allowed to fly into Israel’s airspace.
Air France stated, "Like all airlines, Air France is required to comply with the entry regulations established by the authorities of the countries it serves, both for its customers and employees," in a statement to Al Jazeera. The Israeli Ministry of Transport informed foreign airlines on October 1 that pilots and cabin crew operating flights into Israeli airspace must not hold the nationality or dual nationality of countries that lack diplomatic relations with Israel. This directive followed an incident on September 30, where an Omani copilot allegedly attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Air France indicated that its staff has been informed about the new regulations. The Israeli directive may impact several airlines flying to, from, or over Israel. Al Jazeera reached out to the Israeli Transport Ministry for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Smartwings, the largest Czech airline, confirmed it received the directive but stated it was not currently affected. United Airlines did not provide details on whether it received the directive.
An internal memo to Air France pilots and cabin crew, seen by Mediapart, warned that non-compliance could lead to potential sanctions for both the airline and employees. Al Jazeera could not independently verify the memo.
The restrictions may conflict with French employment law, according to Clara Gandin, an anti-discrimination lawyer based in Paris. She noted that the measure could be seen as discriminatory, treating nationals of the listed countries as potential security threats. Gandin cited Article L1132-1 of the French Labour Code, which prohibits discrimination based on nationality, and argued that Air France's compliance lacks legal justification.
Gandin explained that while French law allows for different treatment in cases of occupational requirements, nationality is not a requirement for flying an aircraft. She emphasized that the airline's compliance appears to be driven by commercial interests rather than legal obligations.
Analysts highlighted that while states have the authority to regulate access to their airspace, this does not exempt airlines from their obligations under national anti-discrimination laws. Gandin suggested that Air France could challenge the directive or choose not to operate under these conditions.
The implications of Israel's policy for other airlines remain uncertain, but experts warn it could set a precedent for nationality-based screening of flight crews, complicating airline operations, especially amid pilot shortages. Vincent Correia, a professor of air law, noted that if other countries adopt similar measures, it may create significant challenges for airlines in scheduling flights to and from Israel.