More Flydubai pilots detained after terror attack—broader problem, or bigger conspiracy?

Following the alleged cockpit attack on flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September 2026, the Israeli transport ministry issued a directive on 1 October that pilots and cabin crew holding passports from countries without diplomatic ties to Israel could not operate flights into Israeli airspace.

Air France announced it would bar crew members holding passports from 31 countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Tunisia and Algeria, from operating flights to Israel, while United Airlines and Czech carrier Smartwings said they would also comply with the restrictions; other reports cite a slightly lower figure of 29 countries, including Pakistan, Oman and Iran. The restrictions apply to both pilots and cabin crew with the relevant nationalities and were implemented in the aftermath of the flydubai incident.

The bans affect crew scheduling and flight assignments for the airlines that have adopted the measures.