Switzerland - Iran Federal Council authorizes US overflights in connection with war in Iran
On Saturday, the Federal Council approved three overflight requests from the USA in connection with the war between Israel and the USA against Iran. Two others were rejected.
14.03.2026, 20:37
SDA
Three requests relating to the war in Iran were approved, one maintenance flight and two overflight requests for transport aircraft, while two were rejected, according to a statement issued by the Federal Council on Saturday evening.
The law of neutrality prohibits overflights by parties to the conflict that pursue a military purpose in connection with the conflict. Humanitarian and medical transits, including the transportation of the wounded, as well as overflights unrelated to the conflict are permitted, it added.
Future requests that are "clearly not related to the conflict" are to be approved. However, applications for overflights should be rejected "if they exceed the courant normal and it cannot be determined what the purpose of these overflights is", the Federal Council outlines its line verbatim. Requests for flights for humanitarian and medical purposes, including the transportation of the wounded, are to be approved.
Accordingly, the USA continues to have an annual permit "for clearly designated state aircraft". Excluded from this are "in particular state flights that would constitute military support in the war between the USA, Israel and Iran". According to the Federal Council, aircraft outside of this list require individual permits from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).
Federal Council: war between the USA, Israel and Iran
Since 28 February 2026, there have been serious hostilities in the Middle East, the Federal Council summarized in its communication. There is a war between the USA and Israel and Iran. The law of neutrality applies in relation to these states.
In this context, several overflight requests for US military and state aircraft have been received. The FOCA examines such requests - known as diplomatic clearances - on the basis of the Ordinance on the Preservation of Air Sovereignty in consultation with the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Economic Affairs Departments. The Federal Council decides on cases of considerable political significance while maintaining neutrality.
