Algeria closes its airspace to UAE aircrafts after cutting diplomatic ties
Algeria cut diplomatic ties with the UAE and banned Emirati civilian and military aircraft from its airspace, citing 'provocative and hostile acts'. Commercial flights to Algiers are exempt until the end of 2026.
Algeria has restricted its airspace to Emirati civilian and military aircraft following the severing of diplomatic ties with the UAE on Thursday. The decision came after years of escalating tensions, with Algeria accusing the UAE of provocative and hostile actions. The Algerian defence ministry announced that an airspace ban on Emirati aircraft would come into effect on Friday, with a limited exception for commercial flights to and from Algiers airport through the end of 2026.
The Algerian foreign ministry gave the UAE ambassador 48 hours to comply and leave the country. Despite repeated warnings, Algeria exhausted all avenues to preserve bilateral relations with the UAE before taking this step. Emirati authorities expressed regret over the move, hoping the decision would be temporary to maintain fraternal ties with Algeria.
The rift between the two nations has been fueled by Algeria's perception of UAE interference in North African and Sahelian affairs as a destabilizing force, contrary to Algeria's foreign policy principles and a direct threat to its security. The UAE's normalization of ties with Israel in 2020 further exacerbated the divide. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has repeatedly characterized the UAE as a micro-state seeking to destabilize regional nations, pointing to conflicts in Libya, Mali, and Sudan.
Written by urgent.news from Euronews's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Algeria to sever diplomatic ties with UAE capitalfm.africa
- Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with UAE, citing 'provocative and hostile actions' israelnationalnews.com
