The information was revealed by Mediapart and has sparked controversy within Air France.
According to the media outlet, the national carrier would have circulated an internal note stating that “the Hebrew state bans crew members of certain nationalities from flying over its airspace“. In the article, we learn that Air France would apply this directive.
And this has provoked the anger of the CGT Air France.
The union alerted the airline’s executive leadership and asserts that “our crews are not sorted according to their nationality“.
Published on October 8 and effective immediately, the text provides that foreign carriers must verify the nationality of crew members for every flight bound for Israel, but also for those overflying Israeli airspace.
As reported by All Israel News, the ministerial directive states that “all crew members must have up-to-date background checks and security clearances, in full compliance with the standards and procedures required under the applicable national regulations.
The airline is solely responsible for ensuring that no crew member holds the citizenship or dual nationality of a country that does not maintain official diplomatic relations with the State of Israel.
For Air France, and this should also be the case for Transavia, but also for all French carriers serving the Hebrew state, this concerns only the Paris-Tel Aviv route.
According to the media outlet, the national carrier would have circulated an internal note stating that “the Hebrew state bans crew members of certain nationalities from flying over its airspace“. In the article, we learn that Air France would apply this directive.
And this has provoked the anger of the CGT Air France.
The union alerted the airline’s executive leadership and asserts that “our crews are not sorted according to their nationality“.
Published on October 8 and effective immediately, the text provides that foreign carriers must verify the nationality of crew members for every flight bound for Israel, but also for those overflying Israeli airspace.
As reported by All Israel News, the ministerial directive states that “all crew members must have up-to-date background checks and security clearances, in full compliance with the standards and procedures required under the applicable national regulations.
The airline is solely responsible for ensuring that no crew member holds the citizenship or dual nationality of a country that does not maintain official diplomatic relations with the State of Israel.
For Air France, and this should also be the case for Transavia, but also for all French carriers serving the Hebrew state, this concerns only the Paris-Tel Aviv route.
Air France: the CGT calls for suspension of the Paris-CDG–Tel Aviv route
This decision was taken following the foiled attack attempt on a flydubai flight, where the co-pilot allegedly planned a suicide attack against Tel Aviv’s airport.
The union recalls that employees fall under French law.
“Article L. 1132-1 of the Labour Code prohibits discriminatory measures in terms of assignment, working conditions or career progression based on origin or membership, real or presumed, to a nation.
The articles 225-1 and following of the Penal Code also govern the suppression of certain forms of discrimination,” explains the press release.
In addition, CGT reveals that belonging or not to a nationality is protected by Air France’s Diversity & Inclusion booklet – Fighting racism at work.
The employee representatives now await the management’s response and want the latter to respect its commitments. They reaffirm that Air France’s management must ensure that employees will not be sidelined or penalized because of their nationality.
“If the Paris-CDG–Tel Aviv route cannot be operated without excluding some employees on the basis of their nationality, it is the operation of this route that must be challenged, and not the rights of the personnel concerned“, concludes the press release.
The union recalls that employees fall under French law.
“Article L. 1132-1 of the Labour Code prohibits discriminatory measures in terms of assignment, working conditions or career progression based on origin or membership, real or presumed, to a nation.
The articles 225-1 and following of the Penal Code also govern the suppression of certain forms of discrimination,” explains the press release.
In addition, CGT reveals that belonging or not to a nationality is protected by Air France’s Diversity & Inclusion booklet – Fighting racism at work.
The employee representatives now await the management’s response and want the latter to respect its commitments. They reaffirm that Air France’s management must ensure that employees will not be sidelined or penalized because of their nationality.
“If the Paris-CDG–Tel Aviv route cannot be operated without excluding some employees on the basis of their nationality, it is the operation of this route that must be challenged, and not the rights of the personnel concerned“, concludes the press release.
Air France extends the suspension of Dubai and Riyadh
In the same vein, Air France announces extending the suspension of its flights to and from Riyadh until October 31, 2026, owing notably to the war between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
The Riyadh airport has been closed for the third consecutive day following attacks by the Yemen-based Houthi forces, backed by Iran. An unidentified object struck Terminal 4 of the facility last Saturday, killing 13 and injuring 300. A French woman is among the wounded.
Furthermore, Dammam airport was also targeted.
Moreover, the routes to and from Dubai are suspended until the same date.
The Riyadh airport has been closed for the third consecutive day following attacks by the Yemen-based Houthi forces, backed by Iran. An unidentified object struck Terminal 4 of the facility last Saturday, killing 13 and injuring 300. A French woman is among the wounded.
Furthermore, Dammam airport was also targeted.
Moreover, the routes to and from Dubai are suspended until the same date.
It should be noted that between selection and the first flight, several weeks, sometimes several months, pass.
