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

Air Europa is facing internal conflict as flight crews demand the option 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, despite competitor Iberia Express suspending similar routes and ongoing warnings from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The Madrid-Tel Aviv route was suspended on February 28 following escalating tensions with Iran and resumed in late June 2026. However, the geopolitical situation in the region remains tense. The flight crews, represented by the USO union, are pushing for a return to a voluntary system that previously allowed them to decline flights without repercussions. Management argues that Ben Gurion Airport is not officially designated a war zone, thus negating the need for special procedures or privileges for crews.

The USO union contends that the airline's rigid stance exacerbates anxiety and stress among staff, potentially compromising flight safety. They point out 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, a move contrasting with competitors like Iberia Express.

Flight crews have consistently sought transparent information and robust security assurances, particularly in light of EASA's recommendations against flights in the Middle East airspace. This dispute is not isolated to Air Europa; Brussels Airlines, a Lufthansa subsidiary, also experienced staff unrest. On September 2, 2026, its employees threatened a strike over mandatory flights to Israel, citing security, psychological, and ethical reasons, including Israel's military operations in Gaza. The Brussels Airlines union urged the Belgian government to clarify its position.