March 16, 2026 | 02:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Swiss government on Saturday rejected two requests from the United States military aircraft to fly over the country related to the Iran war. As reported by Asia One on Sunday, the Swiss government stated that the rejection was based on its neutrality laws.
However, Switzerland did allow three other flights.
"The law on neutrality prohibits overflights by parties to the conflict that serve a military purpose related to the conflict. Permitted are humanitarian and medical transits, including the transport of wounded persons, as well as overflights that are unrelated to the conflict," said the Swiss government in a statement.
The approved three requests are for two transport planes and one maintenance plane.
Switzerland stated that it will reject future flight requests that exceed normal traffic levels or whose destination cannot be determined.
As reported by Swissinfo, the U.S. has an annual authorization "for clearly designated state aircraft".
However, this authorization excludes "in particular state flights that would constitute military support in the war between the US, Israel and Iran."
According to the Swiss Federal Council, aircraft not on this list require individual licenses from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).
Since February 28, 2026, serious hostilities have occurred in the Middle East, the Federal Council stated. Israel, backed by the U.S., conducted a surprise attack on Iran, resulting in more than 1,300 civilian casualties, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Neutrality laws apply in relation to these countries.
In this context, Switzerland has received several requests for U.S. military and state aircraft to enter its airspace.
FOCA examines these requests, known as diplomatic clearances, based on the Regulation on the Preservation of Air Sovereignty, in consultation with the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, and economy.
The Federal Council makes decisions on cases of significant political importance while maintaining neutrality.
Read: Iran Denies Seeking Ceasefire or Talks with US, FM Says
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