Switzerland Denies Majority of US Military Overflight Requests

(MENAFN) Switzerland has declined the majority of requests from the United States to allow military aircraft to pass through its airspace en route to Iran, pointing to its longstanding neutrality laws, according to reports released Wednesday.

Data from the country’s aviation authority shows that between March 5 and March 23, a total of 11 requests were submitted by the US. Of these, only four were granted approval, while one application was later withdrawn. The highest volume of requests occurred on March 13, when five separate applications were filed for flights scheduled on March 15. Additionally, a request from the United Arab Emirates was also turned down.

More broadly, since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, Swiss authorities have approved just one-third of the 12 overflight requests made by various countries seeking access to its airspace for routes toward the Middle East.

This development comes amid criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has voiced frustration with European nations that have denied access to American military aircraft.

Since late February, the United States and Israel have been conducting coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran, resulting in significant casualties, according to Iranian officials. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks against multiple countries in the region, including Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf states hosting US military facilities.

The ongoing conflict has also contributed to rising global energy costs and major disruptions in maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route responsible for roughly one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply.

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