Israel has barred pilots and cabin crew holding Pakistani nationality from operating flights into Israeli airspace. The restriction, issued by Israel’s Transportation Ministry, covers nationals and dual nationals of more than two dozen countries that do not have official diplomatic relations with Israel, including Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia.
The directive follows the September 30 hijacking attempt on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. An Omani co-pilot attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport. Machchhar, despite his injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the co-pilot before the plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia. He has been recovering in a UAE hospital. Israel has announced it will honour him with a Presidential Medal.
The restrictions are already affecting international airlines. Air France has circulated an internal memo adjusting crew assignments and warning of sanctions for non-compliance. United Airlines has asked affected pilots and flight attendants to contact its scheduling department. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a review of security procedures for foreign civil aviation after the incident.
The policy effectively screens airline crew by nationality rather than individual risk assessment — a blunt instrument that raises questions about how long it can hold as a standard operating rule for international aviation without pushback from airlines and aviation regulators.
Source: Business Standard (PTI)
