Revolt in the sky: "There is no war, fly to Tel Aviv"

A conflict has erupted at the Spanish airline Air Europa: crews demand the right to voluntarily refuse flights to Tel Aviv, but management refuses to impose special restrictions, citing that Ben Gurion Airport is not officially considered a war zone. The USO union warns of growing anxiety among employees.

A labor dispute has flared up at the Spanish airline Air Europa over flights to Israel. Crews are demanding the return of a voluntary system that allowed them to refuse flights to Tel Aviv without consequences. The company's management refuses, pointing out that Ben Gurion Airport is not officially considered a war zone. The USO union warns that management's hardline stance could lead to increased anxiety and psychological pressure on employees, ultimately affecting flight safety. Air Europa resumed flights to Israel at the end of June 2026 after a four-month suspension and increased their frequency from four to six per week in August. Competitors, particularly Iberia Express, continue to suspend flights. A similar situation has arisen at Belgian Brussels Airlines, where employees opposed mandatory flights to Israel in early September, citing safety concerns and ethical considerations.

Revolt in the sky: "There is no war, fly to Tel Aviv"