Israel Bars U.S.-Based United Airlines Pilot Over Alleged Iran, Hezbollah Support

Israel has barred U.S.-based United Airlines pilot Sina Amjadian from entering its airspace as a crew member following a security review of unverified social media allegations that he expressed support for Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Hezbollah, Israeli media reported. The allegations, which have not been independently verified, were submitted to Israeli authorities by claims posted by other users.

According to a report by Ynet, a letter dated Oct. 19 and obtained by the outlet shows that Avi Cohen-Skali, director-general of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, alerted Shin Bet chief David Zini and Transportation Ministry Director-General Moshe Ben Zaken to the allegations. Copies were also sent to Israel Airports Authority Director-General Sharon Kedmi and other senior officials.

The letter said that following an attempted terror attack aboard a flydubai flight to Israel in late September, Israel’s national antisemitism monitoring and control center had expanded its monitoring to include individuals who could pose a threat to aviation security. The letter included two posts from X. One alleged that Amjadian, who previously worked for flydubai, had shared content associated with Iran’s regime, including a video purportedly showing him kissing and saluting the regime’s emblem. A second post alleged that he had expressed support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah and called on United to investigate his conduct.

The allegations have not been independently verified. The material submitted to Israeli authorities consisted of claims posted by other users, and the reports have not established that Amjadian himself published the content. Amjadian, who is of Iranian origin, has worked for United since November 2022. He is not qualified to operate wide-body aircraft and currently flies domestic U.S. routes and routes between the United States and Canada, making the Israeli restriction largely symbolic.

Channel 12 reported that United confirmed receiving the directive from Israeli authorities. The Transportation Ministry referred the material to the Mossad and Shin Bet for examination. Following the security review, the ministry told Channel 12 that professional security officials had recommended barring Amjadian from entering Israel as a member of an aircrew.

“The recommendation of the professional bodies was clear — not to allow his arrival in Israel as a member of an aircrew,” the ministry said. It added that United had been formally notified of the decision. The heightened scrutiny of foreign flight crews followed the Sept. 30 incident aboard flydubai Flight 1073, which was carrying about 180 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Emirati investigators, Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked the captain and attempted to bring down the aircraft.

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