A French air traffic controller at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport told an El Al flight crew “Free Palestine” over the radio shortly after takeoff on Monday night, prompting the pilots to report the incident to the airline’s management.
El Al condemned the exchange as “unprofessional and inappropriate,” saying it was working with Israeli authorities, who are in contact with their French counterparts. The airline vowed to “continue flying proudly with the Israeli flag on our aircraft tails, maintaining professionalism and ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew.”
The episode comes amid growing friction between Israel and France. In recent months, French authorities have stopped renewing work visas for El Al flight security personnel in Paris who are employed through the Israeli Embassy under a new work program.
The move, in effect for the past six months, has left some security guards living in France without legal status and others forced to obtain temporary diplomatic visas via the Israeli Embassy. The guards are not directly employed by El Al.
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One El Al security guard in Paris told Ynet that no renewals have been issued since mid-2024, something she said had “never happened before.” She believes the aim is to end the presence of El Al security staff in France. Some guards have returned to Israel after failing to secure visas, while others remain without valid permits.
The Foreign Ministry said the matter is being handled through the embassy in Paris. The French Embassy in Israel declined to comment, referring inquiries back to Israel’s mission. El Al referred questions to the Foreign Ministry and Shin Bet, which also declined comment.
The visa dispute follows a string of incidents deepening the diplomatic chill. Last week, pro-Palestinian activists vandalized El Al’s Paris offices, splattering red paint and labeling the company a “genocide airline.” In June, organizers at the Paris Air Show unexpectedly shut down Israel’s pavilion, covering it in black cloth.
Tensions have also spread to airport operations. On Sunday, reports said that French baggage-handling firm Alyzia has refused to service El Al or any Israeli airline. The company, which specializes in ground operations, has faced pressure from labor unions to let employees opt out of handling flights to and from Israel. Union leaders warned that if the work is made mandatory, they may consider taking action.