Switzerland Rejects US Requests for Military Overflights, Citing Neutrality Policy

The Swiss government announced that, in line with the country’s neutrality policy, it has rejected two requests from the United States for military and official aircraft to fly through Swiss airspace, approving only three additional flights.

According to Al Jazeera, Swiss officials stated that Washington’s requests were reviewed separately, and the final decision was made based on domestic laws and the principle of neutrality.

The Swiss Federal Council emphasized that under the “Neutrality Act,” flights of aircraft belonging to parties involved in armed conflicts are not permitted to use Swiss airspace. Switzerland, as a neutral country, has consistently sought to avoid direct or indirect involvement in military conflicts.

However, the Swiss government clarified that the use of the country’s airspace for humanitarian purposes, including the transport of medical and relief aid, may be allowed. This decision comes as neutrality remains a fundamental principle of Swiss foreign policy over the past decades.