Israeli national airline EL AL has filed a complaint with French authorities, after an incident that reportedly happened in French airspace last night. However, it follows a larger issue that EL AL is having in France, as the airline is accusing the country of no longer issuing work visas for security staff.
Air traffic controller broadcasts “Free Palestine” to EL AL pilots
On the night of Monday, August 11, 2025, a French air traffic controller reportedly had a special message for the pilots of an EL AL flight that had just started its journey from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV).
Around 12 minutes after takeoff, the air traffic controller allegedly added “Free Palestine” to his transmission. The pilots reported this to the company, and this has now escalated to the Israeli government, which is taking this up with its French counterparts. EL AL has released the following statement about what happened:
“El Al views the incident that took place last night, in which a French air traffic controller addressed one of its pilots in an unprofessional and inappropriate manner, with the utmost seriousness. We are addressing the matter with Israeli authorities, who are in contact with their French counterparts. El Al will continue flying around the world with the Israeli flag on its aircraft tails with pride, while upholding professionalism and ensuring the safety and security of its passengers and crews.”
Regardless of how one feels about the conflict between Israel and Palestine (from the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks, to the current unimaginable humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza), air traffic control frequencies aren’t the appropriate place to express opinions. It’s important that only essential communication is maintained there.
Just last week, there were headlines when Iberia served a kosher meal to a passenger with “Free Palestine” scribbled on it. However, it seemed to be someone from the catering facility, rather than a crew member.
France has stopped issuing visas for EL AL security staff
This latest EL AL incident in Paris follows recent reports that the French government has stopped renewing work visas for EL AL security staff members. EL AL is known for its strict airport security, and all passengers flying on EL AL are interviewed by security staff prior to their flight.
However, for the past six or so months, France has reportedly stopped issuing and renewing work visas for these employees. This prevents EL AL’s security staff from working legally in the country.
Historically, EL AL security staff have been classified as ITAN workers (Israeli citizens supporting diplomatic missions), and have been granted French visas via the Israeli embassy.
Sources suggest that this has happened because of difficulties that French diplomatic staff have faced with security screening. According to a diplomatic source providing a quote to The Times of Israel, “for many months, members of France’s diplomatic corps in Israel and in Jerusalem have been subjected to systematic screening by El Al security personnel at Charles de Gaulle Airport prior to the airline’s flights.”
It’s not entirely clear to me which part of that is problematic, since EL AL security staff interviewing passengers is a standard process. An Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson has stated that this “is being handled by the embassy in coordination with the French Foreign Ministry.”
Bottom line
Israel is filing a complaint with France, after EL AL pilots were reportedly greeted by a French air traffic controller with a “Free Palestine” message. This follows increasing diplomatic tensions between the two countries involving EL AL, as France has reportedly stopped issuing work visas to EL AL security staff.
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