Air France applies Israeli crew nationality restrictions

Air France has told pilots and cabin crew that they may not operate flights to or from Israel if they hold the nationality, including dual nationality, of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel. The airline says it is complying with Israeli entry rules and has informed affected employees, as Israeli authorities intensify checks on airline crews. The restrictions cover personnel from countries including Pakistan and Oman. Reports describe a wider Israeli directive covering 31 Muslim-majority countries, while an internal United Airlines memo reportedly lists 29 countries. The two lists are described as distinct in scope; the full authoritative list was not provided in the reports. United Airlines has incorporated the restrictions into crew-planning procedures, according to reports about its internal memo. Czech carrier Smartwings has also said it will follow the requirements, while reporting said the rules had not affected its crew assignments or operations so far. Air France and United have reportedly asked affected employees to adjust or account for their assignments.