France Dismisses Air Traffic Controller Who Said “Free Palestine” to El Al Aircraft

An air traffic controller at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris has been removed from duty for allegedly saying “Free Palestine” over the radio to the crew of an aircraft operated by Israel’s El Al Airlines.

France’s Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced on social media platform X that an investigation of the radio recordings had confirmed the incident. Tabarot stated that the controller’s authority had been suspended indefinitely and that a disciplinary investigation was underway.

The minister noted that such remarks violated radio communication rules for air traffic safety and order, as well as the principle of neutrality that public servants are obliged to observe.

French officials said the investigation was launched following an official complaint filed by El Al Airlines.