Air Europa Staff Revolt Over Mandatory Flights to Israel Amid Security Fears

Air Europa is facing internal conflict as flight crews demand the right to volunteer for flights to Tel Aviv, citing safety and psychological stress concerns. The airline's management insists there is "no war" and is mandating crews to resume flights between Madrid and Tel Aviv, a route that was suspended in February following the escalation with Iran and resumed in late June 2026. The airline argues that Ben Gurion Airport is not officially designated a war zone, thus negating the need for special procedures or privileges for staff.

The Spanish USO labor union is pushing back, warning that the company's rigid stance could negatively impact crew anxiety levels, potentially compromising flight safety. The union highlighted that Air Europa was among the first European carriers to restart the route after a four-month hiatus and even increased its frequency from four to six weekly flights in August 2026, unlike competitors such as Iberia Express, which have kept their flights suspended. Crew members have consistently sought transparent information and robust security assurances, especially given ongoing advisories from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regarding flights in the Middle East.

This dispute mirrors similar tensions in the European aviation sector. Brussels Airlines, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, experienced a strike notice from its employees on September 2, 2026, led by the ACV Puls union. Initially relying on volunteers, the airline's management reportedly mandated all crews due to a lack of volunteers. The employees cited security, psychological, and ethical reasons, referencing Israel's military operations in Gaza, and urged the Belgian government to clarify its position.