Israel bans pilots and cabin From Algeria, Mauritania, Mali, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and 26 other countries from operating flights into its airspace

The measures form part of broader restrictions reportedly covering 31 nationalities, including citizens of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Oman.

According to French investigative publication Mediapart and Israeli media reports, the restrictions prevent affected airline personnel from operating flights into Israeli airspace, even if they hold dual nationality.

The decision follows a security incident aboard a Flydubai aircraft in September 2026 that prompted Israeli authorities to review screening procedures for foreign aviation personnel.

However, the measures target airline crew assignments rather than imposing a general travel ban on passengers from the affected countries.

African countries affected by Israel’s aviation restrictions

The reported restrictions cover airline crew members from Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti and Comoros.

Outside Africa, the affected nationalities reportedly include Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Lebanon, Indonesia, Malaysia and Yemen.

Under the reported directive, airline employees holding citizenship of affected countries cannot be assigned to flights covered by the restrictions, even if they possess another passport.

This means a French-Algerian flight attendant, for example, could be prevented from working on an Israel-bound flight despite holding French citizenship.

However, aviation reports have cited different totals of 27, 29 and 31 affected nationalities, indicating differences between the lists communicated to airlines.

Why Israel introduced the new aviation restrictions

The new security measures followed an incident aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026.

An Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the aircraft’s captain and attempted to seize control of the plane, which was carrying more than 170 passengers.

Other crew members and passengers intervened, and the aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a review of security procedures involving foreign airlines operating flights to Israel.

Israeli media subsequently reported that authorities had tightened nationality checks and screening requirements for international flight crews.

The changes require airlines to review crew assignments before departure, potentially affecting staffing arrangements for carriers employing personnel from the listed countries.