Air France has barred Pakistani pilots and cabin crew members from operating flights to and from Israel as Israeli authorities tighten enforcement of restrictions on airline personnel from countries without diplomatic relations with the country. The move is part of a wider compliance effort involving international carriers, including US-based United Airlines and Czech airline Smartwings. The restrictions apply to crew members holding the nationality of certain countries, including Pakistan, and extend to both flight deck and cabin staff. The issue has drawn attention after an Ethiopian Airlines flight was ordered to return to Addis Ababa when Israeli authorities discovered that an Indonesian pilot was on board. The aircraft subsequently resumed its journey to Tel Aviv after the pilot was replaced.
Why has Air France banned Pakistani pilots?
The restrictions stem from Israeli rules governing the deployment of foreign airline personnel who hold citizenship of countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. Pakistan is among the countries covered by these requirements. Consequently, Pakistani pilots and cabin crew members cannot be assigned to flights operating to and from Israel under the restrictions.
The measures are not limited to Pakistani nationals. Reports by French investigative outlet Mediapart and aviation intelligence company ch-aviation, said Air France and United Airlines had informed their employees about the requirements. Air France has confirmed that it is complying with the Israeli rules. United Airlines has also incorporated the restrictions into its crew-planning procedures to prevent affected personnel from being assigned to the relevant routes.
The requirements also cover individuals with dual citizenship. Holding a second nationality does not automatically exempt a crew member from the restrictions.
Why Airlines are banning pilots from Pakistan and other countries?
The enforcement has come under greater scrutiny following an alleged cockpit attack aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026. Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchar in an attempt to take control of the aircraft. Oman does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, placing Omani nationals within the category of people covered by the restrictions.
However, the rules reportedly existed before the incident. Israeli authorities had previously relied largely on international airlines to ensure that crew members covered by the requirements were not assigned to Israel-bound flights. The latest developments suggest that authorities are now applying the restrictions more strictly, putting greater responsibility on airlines to verify crew eligibility before departure.
Ethiopian Airlines flight ordered to return
The impact of the enforcement became apparent on Tuesday, when Israeli authorities instructed an Ethiopian Airlines flight to turn back after discovering that an Indonesian pilot was on board. According to The Jerusalem Post, the aircraft had been airborne for about an hour and was still within Ethiopian airspace when the order was issued.
The flight was directed to return to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, where the airline could replace the pilot. The aircraft subsequently departed again with a replacement crew member and landed in Tel Aviv. Ethiopian Airlines described the episode as a mistake, saying it had not known that the pilot was prohibited from operating flights to Israel.
Which countries are covered by Israel's restrictions?
According to reports by Mediapart and Israeli media outlets, the requirements cover airline personnel from 31 Muslim-majority countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.
The countries named in reports include:
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Niger
The restrictions apply to pilots as well as cabin crew members. They also cover people with dual citizenship, according to the reports. Israeli broadcaster N12 reported that the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety notified foreign airlines about the requirements on October 1.