Scandal in France: Israel at the center of conflict with Air France

The Force Ouvrière union of Air France has demanded the airline stop flights to Israel in response to new restrictions imposed by the Israeli Ministry of Transport on foreign crews. The restrictions apply to citizens of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel and individuals with dual citizenship. The union called the requirements discriminatory and contrary to French law. Air France has not yet announced the cancellation of flights.

A scandal has erupted in France: the Force Ouvrière union, representing Air France employees, has demanded the airline's management cease flights to Israel. The cause is new restrictions introduced by the Israeli Ministry of Transport: foreign crew members holding citizenship of states that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, as well as individuals with dual citizenship, are prohibited from entering the country's airspace. The union called these requirements discriminatory and contrary to the principle of equality of citizens and French law. According to the union, Air France management has already sent internal instructions to employees to comply with the new rules. In response, the union proposed halting air traffic with Israel. Air France has not officially announced the cancellation of flights. The restrictions were introduced after an incident on FlyDubai flight FZ1073 on September 30, when the co-pilot, an Omani citizen, attacked the captain and attempted to seize control, intending, according to the investigation, to steer the plane into the terminal of Ben Gurion Airport.