Switzerland Rejects U.S. Military Overflight Requests Linked to Iran War Citing Neutrality Law, Says Federal Council
Switzerland has rejected two requests from the United States to allow military reconnaissance aircraft to fly through Swiss airspace in connection with the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the Swiss Federal Council announced.
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At the same time, the government approved a maintenance-related flight scheduled for March 17 and authorised two overflight requests for transport aircraft on March 15, stating that those flights were not linked to combat operations.
In a statement issued in Bern, the Federal Council said that since February 28 heavy fighting has been taking place in the Middle East and that “war exists between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.”
Under Swiss neutrality law, authorities said overflights by conflict parties that serve a military purpose connected to the war are prohibited.
“The law of neutrality prohibits overflights by the parties to the conflict that pursue a military purpose related to the conflict,” the government said.
However, Switzerland said humanitarian and medical flights — including the transport of wounded persons — remain permissible, as do flights that have no connection to the ongoing war.
Requests for such flights are processed by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL) through diplomatic clearance procedures, in coordination with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA), the Federal Department of Defence (VBS), and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (WBF).
Cases of significant political importance are reviewed directly by the Federal Council to ensure that Swiss neutrality is preserved.
The government also outlined criteria that will govern future requests.
Overflights that can clearly be shown to have no connection with the conflict will be approved, while requests may be rejected if the number of flights exceeds normal levels or if authorities cannot determine the purpose of the operation.
Humanitarian and medical missions, including the transport of injured individuals, will continue to receive approval.
The Federal Council added that the United States still holds a standing annual permit for clearly designated state aircraft, but said this authorization does not apply to flights that could provide military support in the war between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Aircraft outside the approved list must therefore seek individual authorisation from Swiss aviation authorities before entering Swiss airspace.
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