Paris: Air France confirmed that it is complying with Occupying forces in Palestine (Israeli) nationality based restrictions that prevent Pakistani pilots and cabin crew from operating flights to and from Israel, according to international media reports published on October 14 and 15.

The restrictions reportedly apply to nationals of 31 Muslim majority countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Occupying forces in Palestine, including Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Indonesia.

The rules also apply to crew members with dual nationality, according to reports.  

Occupying forces in Palestine authorities reportedly strengthened enforcement after an incident aboard a FlyDubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.

On October 1, the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety of the occupying force in Palestine subsequently notified foreign airlines of the nationality requirements.

Although similar restrictions existed previously, airlines are now reportedly facing stricter scrutiny of the nationalities of crew members assigned to “Israeli” routes.

Air France said it must follow the entry regulations of the countries it serves and informed affected employees of the requirements.

However, the French pilots' union Alter criticised the approach, raising concerns about nationality based discrimination.

United Airlines and Czech carrier Smartwings also complied with requirements authorised by occupying forces in Palestine. United reportedly added the restrictions to crew scheduling; Smartwings said they did not affect operations.

The restrictions apply to crew assignments on routes serving occupying forces in Palestine, not to a general ban on Pakistani pilots working for international airlines.

The developments raised questions about nationality based employment restrictions and their implications for international aviation operations.