Airspace Closed: Spain Blocks US and Israeli Flight Paths for War With Iran

The Spanish government has decided to completely close the country’s airspace to aircraft involved in the US and Israeli military operation against Iran.

According to sources from El País, the restrictions apply not only to aircraft at the Spanish-American bases of Rota and Morón de la Frontera but also to planes arriving from other countries, such as bases in the UK and France. Overflight or landing permissions will only be granted in genuine emergencies.

Speaking in Congress last week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez mentioned that Spain had refused the US use of the Rota and Morón airbases for an "illegal war". "All flight plans involving actions related to the operation in Iran have been rejected. Every single one, including mid-air refuelling plans," he stated.

This decision has already impacted military logistics. El País claims that on 28 February and 1 March, due to the Spanish refusal to participate in the military operation against Iran, the US had to redeploy approximately 15 KC-135 tanker aircraft to France and Germany. Furthermore, American B-52 and B-1 bombers, originally intended to be based in Spain, were ultimately stationed at the British base, RAF Fairford. Consequently, flight paths have become longer and more complex. Aircraft must now either cross France and refuel upon reaching the Mediterranean or bypass the Iberian Peninsula via Gibraltar.

According to El País, intense negotiations took place between Washington and Madrid for several weeks before the US and Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February. The Spanish side made it clear that it would not participate in military actions without an international mandate from the UN, NATO, or the EU.

Despite this, Spain continues to fulfil all tasks outlined in its bilateral agreement with the US. This includes logistical support for American troops—for example, providing navigational support for B-2 Spirit bombers flying from their base in Whiteman, Missouri, to attack Iran. Notably, these aircraft do not enter Spanish airspace, passing instead through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Additionally, US Arleigh Burke-class destroyers based at the Rota naval base have been utilised in defending Israel against missile attacks. The Spanish Army’s Patriot missile system, stationed at the US base in Incirlik, Turkey, also monitored these strikes.

"The Spanish government is attempting to maintain a delicate equilibrium between two extremes: rejecting any cooperation in a war it considers illegal, while simultaneously collaborating in the defence of Turkey and Cyprus, thus fulfilling its obligations to NATO and the EU," El País notes.