Switzerland government said two requests for US reconnaissance planes to cross over Switzerland were rejected on Sunday.
Switzerland announced closing its airspace for US military flights amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, citing its tradition of neutrality in armed conflicts.
The development comes even as US President Donald Trump urged other countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, following Iran’s threat to retaliate Washington’s bombing of the Kharg Island.
The Switzerland government said two requests for US reconnaissance planes to cross over Switzerland were rejected on Sunday. However, the federal authority granted permission to three other flights, including two transport aircraft.
Today the Swiss government discussed military overflight requests from the US. Citing the law of neutrality, the Federal Council rejected two requests made in connection with the war in Iran. It decided to permit three flights. Details in DE/FR/IT: https://t.co/Dps46MlpBG
— Swiss Federal Government (@SwissGov) March 14, 2026
“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 country said that the country’s tradition of neutrality would be applicable in the ongoing war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
“Since February 28, 2026, heavy fighting has been taking place in the Middle East. A war is ongoing between the United States and Israel and Iran. Switzerland’s neutrality law applies in relation to these states. In this context, several overflight requests for US military and state aircraft have been submitted,” it added.
To be sure, Switzerland’s neutrality law maintains that the country would not participate in a war between states. It also mandates for non-participation in armed conflicts, non-membership in military alliances.
