Israel has introduced new aviation restrictions barring Pakistani pilots and other crew members from serving on flights entering Israeli airspace. The measures were introduced following an attempted hijacking aboard a flight travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Israel last month.
 

The hijacking attempt was foiled, but Indian captain Samit Machhar sustained injuries during the incident.
 

According to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, the Aviation Security Operations Centre of the Transport Ministry issued the updated instructions following the incident. The ministry informed foreign airlines about the restrictions on October 1.
 

Under the revised rules, pilots and other crew members operating flights entering Israeli airspace must not hold citizenship or dual citizenship of countries that do not maintain official diplomatic relations with Israel.
 

The restrictions affect citizens of more than two dozen countries. These include Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia, as well as individuals holding dual citizenship with the countries concerned.
 

The new requirements have also affected airline operations. Air France has had to make changes to crew duty assignments, while United Airlines has informed its employees about the restrictions.
 

The measures form part of Israel’s updated aviation security instructions following the attempted hijacking, with airlines required to take the revised nationality-related rules into account when assigning crew members to flights entering Israeli airspace.