‘Neutrality First’: Switzerland Closes Airspace For US Military Aircraft Amid Iran War

Last Updated:March 15, 2026, 06:11 IST

The Swiss government said two requests for the US reconnaissance planes to overfly Swiss territory were denied because they were directly related to the ongoing war.

Flights for humanitarian or medical purposes, including the transport of wounded people, will continue to be permitted under Swiss neutrality rules. (Representative Image)

Switzerland has announced to shut its airspace for US military aircraft involved in the war with Iran, citing its long-standing policy of neutrality in armed conflicts.

In a statement released on Saturday (local time), the Swiss government said two requests for United States reconnaissance planes to overfly Swiss territory on March 15 were denied because they were directly related to the ongoing war.

However, authorities approved three other US flights, including two transport aircraft scheduled for March 15 and a maintenance-related flight planned for March 17.

“The Swiss Federal Council has today decided on several requests for overflights by US military aircraft. Two requests linked to the war in Iran have been rejected, while one maintenance flight and two overflight requests for transport aircraft have been approved,” a government statement read.

The decision was taken by the Swiss Federal Council after reviewing several overflight requests submitted to the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), which processes diplomatic clearance applications in consultation with other federal departments.

Flights for humanitarian or medical purposes, including the transport of wounded people, will continue to be permitted under Swiss neutrality rules.

The development comes as the war between the United States and Iran enters its third week following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran that began on February 28. According to reports, the conflict has killed more than 2,000 people, mostly in Iran, and disrupted global oil supplies, pushing energy prices higher.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged countries dependent on Gulf oil supplies to send naval forces to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran threatened retaliation following US strikes on Kharg Island.

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