Bern, Switzerland – The Swiss government has refused requests from the U.S. Military to fly over its airspace, a decision prompted by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The move underscores Switzerland’s commitment to neutrality as tensions escalate between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
On Saturday, the Federal Council examined several requests from the United States for military and state aircraft to traverse Swiss airspace. Two requests, concerning reconnaissance planes scheduled for March 15, 2026, were denied. According to the government, these flights were connected to the conflict involving Iran. Details of the decision were first reported by 20 Minutes.
However, two requests for transport planes also slated for March 15 were approved, as was another flight scheduled for March 17 for maintenance work. The Federal Council stated that requests unrelated to the conflict, including those for humanitarian or medical purposes, will continue to be authorized.
Switzerland’s neutrality, as defined by law, prohibits overflights by parties to a conflict for military purposes related to that conflict. This policy has been in effect since February 28, 2026, when the current intense conflicts in the Middle East began. Watson.ch reported that the government is still determining whether the conflict constitutes a war under Swiss neutrality law.
“The flights were not approved for ‘procedural reasons’,” the Federal Office of Civil Aviation confirmed to CH Media. The Federal Council is applying criteria to future requests, approving those that are clearly unrelated to the conflict, unless their purpose is unclear or exceeds typical levels.
The decision comes as tensions remain high following reported strikes in Iran. Recent talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva concluded on Tuesday, according to Iranian media reports.
The Swiss government has indicated it will continue to evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis, balancing its neutrality with international obligations. RTS.ch noted that the Federal Council will make decisions on cases with significant political implications.
