Overview

• Transport Minister Philippe Tabarrot confirmed the controller’s suspension and launched an inquiry into the on-air “Free Palestine” remark to El Al pilots at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
• El Al filed a formal complaint and the Israeli Foreign Ministry is engaging French counterparts over both the ATC incident and halted work-visa renewals for its security personnel.
• A six-month halt on visa extensions has left multiple Israeli security staff without valid permits, forcing some to leave France or convert to temporary diplomatic visas.
• Facing legal and staffing challenges, El Al has reduced its in-city footprint in Paris and rerouted passenger services through partner carriers.
• The ATC suspension and visa discussions come after antisemitic vandalism at El Al’s Paris office and coordinated airport-worker protests targeting flights to Israel.