Air France Israel flights: crews from 31 nationalities reportedly barred

Air France Israel flights are subject to an Israeli directive preventing pilots and cabin crew from 31 nationalities from operating services to Israel, according to a report by Mediapart.

The restrictions reportedly include employees holding Algerian, Tunisian, Iranian and Pakistani nationality, even when those crew members also hold French citizenship.

According to the report, Air France has informed affected employees that they cannot be assigned to flights serving Israel because of requirements imposed by Israeli authorities.

Dual French nationals reportedly affected

The restrictions would therefore also affect some Air France employees who are French citizens but hold a second nationality included on the list.

Affected crew members are reportedly required to disclose their status so they are not scheduled on Israel-bound services.

Mediapart also reported that Air France warned employees that failure to comply with the instructions could expose them to disciplinary measures.

Sensitive issue for international crews

The reported policy raises questions about airline staffing, security requirements imposed on foreign carriers and the treatment of employees holding dual nationality.

According to the report, Air France did not create the nationality list itself but is applying requirements imposed for crews operating flights to Israel.