Switzerland has refused two US requests to fly over its territory in operations linked to the current Middle East war, citing its neutrality under international law. The Swiss government stated that the law of neutrality prohibits overflights by parties to a conflict for military purposes related to that conflict, specifically referencing the US-Israeli war with Iran.
The rejected requests were for reconnaissance flights on March 15, while a maintenance flight and two transport aircraft requests were approved. Switzerland’s neutrality law allows flights for humanitarian or medical purposes, including the transport of wounded people, and flights unrelated to the conflict.
This decision reflects Switzerland’s long-standing policy of neutrality, officially recognized by the international community since 1815. The country aims to maintain diplomatic relations with many countries while avoiding actions that could be seen as taking sides in wars between other states.
