Air France has confirmed it is complying with new Israeli restrictions barring pilots and cabin crew holding the nationality or dual nationality of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel from flying to or over the country.
The policy, which reportedly affects nationals of 31 countries, including Pakistan, has raised concerns over possible discrimination against airline employees under French law.
According to an Al Jazeera report, the restrictions, reported by Israeli media and French investigative publication Mediapart, cover nationals of several Muslim-majority countries, including Algeria, Tunisia, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Niger.
“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,” Al Jazeera quoted Air France as saying in a statement.
“The staff concerned have been informed of the new regulations implemented by the Israeli authorities for flights to Tel Aviv,” the airline added.
According to Israel’s N12 broadcaster, the 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 lack diplomatic relations with Israel.
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