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Pakistani Pilots Barred From Israel Flights After Hijacking Attempt
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CNBC TV18•15-10-2026, 13:31
Pakistani Pilots Barred From Israel Flights After Hijacking Attempt
- •Pakistani pilots and crew are now barred from flights entering Israeli airspace following strict new security directives.
- •The new rules come after an attempted hijacking on September 30 involving a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- •Indian Captain Smit Machchhar successfully foiled the plot despite being injured, earning international praise.
- •The restrictions apply to nationals from over two dozen countries that lack official diplomatic relations with Israel.
- •Major international carriers like Air France and United Airlines have adjusted their crew assignments to comply with the directive.
Key Questions Answered
Israel updated its aviation security directives following a September 30 hijacking attempt, when an Omani co-pilot attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The new rules cover nationals and dual nationals from over two dozen countries lacking official diplomatic relations with Israel, including Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Airlines like Air France and United Airlines have notified affected employees, adjusted crew assignments, and warned of possible sanctions for non-compliance to adhere to the updated Israeli entry rules.
