Spain has shut its airspace to flights operated by aircraft involved in the U.S. Operation Epic Fury against Iran’s Islamic regime, according to a report from a Spanish newspaper. El Pais noted that NATO allies are particularly monitoring U.S. aircraft movements.
El Pais cited unnamed military sources indicating that the Spanish government not only prohibited fighter jets and tanker planes engaged in the operation from utilizing bases in Rota, Cadiz, and Moron de la Frontera, Seville, but also restricted U.S. military aircraft stationed in third countries like Britain and France from using Spanish airspace.
Jose Manuel Alvarez, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, reportedly confirmed the ban during a radio interview with RAC1 on Monday morning, shortly after El Pais released its report. Alvarez explained the ban by stating that Spain “must not do anything that would escalate the conflict,” reflecting the stance of Spain’s socialist government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s call for a “neutral” approach toward Israeli military actions against the U.S. and Iranian regime.
Comments concerning Spain’s restrictions on U.S. aircraft came after Sánchez briefly mentioned the policy in a session of Spain’s parliament that Wednesday, although it “went unnoticed” due to the ongoing political turmoil.
“I refuse to allow the United States to use Rota and Moron bases for this illegal war,” Sánchez reportedly told Congress. “All flight plans related to operations in Iran were rejected. Yes, all plans, including those for refueling aircraft.”
According to El Pais, there is a provision allowing for emergency situations in which aircraft can transit or land in Spain.
The newspaper highlighted that despite this ban, USAF missions at the Moron and Rota bases will continue under the existing bilateral agreement between Spain and the U.S., which also includes support for around 80,000 U.S. troops stationed in Europe.
El Pais noted that the public agency ENAIRE’s Seville Air Traffic Control Center aids in the navigation of B-2 Spirit bombers traveling from Whiteman Air Base in Missouri to strike Iran and return, covering a non-stop flight exceeding 30 hours. However, these bombers do not enter Spanish airspace but only cross the Strait of Gibraltar, which Spain cannot obstruct.
When asked about possible repercussions from President Trump’s administration regarding the decision, Álvarez replied, “Why should we be afraid?” and reiterated that Spain was “acting in accordance with the United Nations Charter,” as reported by RAC1.
Additionally, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo also confirmed the prohibition on U.S. aircraft and expressed hope that trade relations with the U.S. would remain stable despite the unfolding situation in Iran.
