After flydubai incident, Air France bans Pakistani, Muslim-majority crew
Air France and other airlines are complying with new Israeli regulations that restrict flight crews from 31 countries, primarily Muslim-majority nations, from operating flights into Israel. The policy follows an alleged hijacking attempt by an Omani co-pilot.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of national security, aviation policy, and international diplomatic relations.
Air France has confirmed it is complying with new Israeli restrictions that bar flight crew members from certain nationalities from operating flights to Israel, a policy that reportedly affects citizens of 31 countries, most of them Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia.“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,” the airline told Al Jazeera in a statement.“The staff concerned have been informed of the new regulations implemented by the Israeli authorities for flights to Tel Aviv,” it added.Israel’s directive affects crew from 31 countriesAccording to Israeli broadcaster N12, Israel’s Ministry of transport and road safety 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 do not have diplomatic…
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