TEL AVIV- El Al Israel Airlines (LY) files an official complaint after a French ATC at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) allegedly said “Free Palestine” to the pilots shortly after departure.
The incident occurred on August 11, moments after flight LY 325 left Paris for Tel Aviv. The airline described the remark as “unprofessional and inappropriate” and has reported it to Israeli civil aviation authorities.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanesEl Al Files Complaint Over ‘Free Palestine’
According to El Al, the message was transmitted during standard communication between the cockpit and air traffic control shortly after takeoff from Paris CDG.
The airline emphasized that it is working with Israeli regulators, who are in contact with French authorities, to address the matter.
Reported by PYOK, the carrier reaffirmed its commitment to safe and professional operations worldwide.
The complaint follows a separate incident less than a week earlier when El Al’s Paris office was vandalized with red paint and graffiti, including the words “Free Palestine” and “El Al genocide airline.”
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot condemned the vandalism, stating that antisemitism and hate have no place in France.
Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev linked the attack to France’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine.
Photo: By Pieter van Marion from the Netherlands – 4X-EAC EL AL Israel Airlines, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29586439Ongoing Investigations
French authorities have launched a hate crime investigation into the vandalism of El Al’s Paris office, focusing on charges related to property damage motivated by race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.
Similarly, the air traffic controller incident is under review, with French Transport Minister Tabarot ordering an administrative inquiry on August 12, 2025, to verify the facts and determine appropriate action.
El Al has taken proactive measures, including temporarily evacuating its Paris office staff and transferring passenger services to a third-party provider following the vandalism.
The airline reiterated its commitment to maintaining operations while cooperating with authorities to ensure accountability for both incidents.
Photo: EurospotRecent Similar Incidents
Earlier this month, Iberia (IB) apologized after Kosher meals on a Buenos Aires (EZE) to Madrid (MAD) flight were found with “Free Palestine” handwritten on the packaging. The airline suspects the action was taken at its contracted catering facility in Argentina.
A few days later, JetBlue Airways (B6) faced allegations that a Jewish passenger was served a Kosher meal with the phrase “Zio Nazi” written on a sticker.
The airline stated it has zero tolerance for hate or discrimination, launched an investigation, and alerted authorities, despite having no official passenger complaints filed.
Photo: By Toshi Aoki – JP Spotters – Gallery page http://www.airliners.net/photo/El-Al-Israel/Boeing-757-258/1923343/LPhoto http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/3/4/3/1923343.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27377186Industry Impact
The alleged air traffic controller remark and the vandalism of El Al’s Paris office occurred amid heightened political tensions.
France has openly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent plans to expand control over Gaza, warning such actions would worsen conditions for civilians and hostages.
The aviation sector has increasingly become an indirect stage for geopolitical messages, with airlines needing to address politically charged incidents to maintain trust, safety, and professionalism.
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