Air France Bars Pilots From Pakistan, 30 Other Muslim-Majority Countries From Israeli Airspace After Flydubai Attack

Air France has reportedly decided to comply with new Israeli restrictions governing who can operate flights into and over Israeli airspace based on nationality. The move comes after an alleged mid-air cockpit altercation aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, in which an Omani co-pilot reportedly attempted to hijack and crash the aircraft en route to Tel Aviv while stabbing Indian captain Smit Machchhar.

According to French investigative publication Mediapart, the new Israeli restrictions bar nationals of 31 Muslim-majority countries from flying aircraft into Israeli airspace. The countries reportedly include Pakistan, Algeria, Tunisia, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Niger.

Responding to the restrictions, Air France told Al Jazeera that it was required to follow the entry regulations imposed by the authorities of the countries it serves.

“Like all airlines, Air France is required to comply with the entry regulations established by the authorities of the countries it serves, both for its customers and employees,” the airline said in a statement.

Air France is part of the publicly traded Air France–KLM Group. The reported decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation security and nationality-based restrictions affecting flights to and over Israel.