OMM Redaksiyası
Algeria’s Ministry of Defense has banned all civilian and military aircraft registered in the United Arab Emirates from entering or transiting its airspace.
The decision will take effect at midnight, according to an official statement. However, commercial passenger flights to Houari Boumediene International Airport in the Algerian capital will temporarily continue under an existing aviation agreement.
According to the official information, these flights will operate until the end of 2026, when the agreement between the two countries expires. The airspace closure signals a further deterioration in relations following Algeria’s formal decision to sever diplomatic ties with the UAE.
Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had repeatedly sought to preserve relations, but that its efforts had failed. The ministry accused the UAE of pursuing policies that Algeria increasingly considers hostile and provocative.
Algerian authorities said they had repeatedly warned the UAE about the possible consequences of its policies, but that their concerns had been ignored. According to the official statement, the decision to sever ties was taken after all available diplomatic channels to preserve relations had been exhausted.
Reasons for the diplomatic break
Relations between Algeria and the UAE have remained tense for several years because of regional rivalry and foreign policy differences. The Algerian leadership has accused the UAE of seeking to exert influence in countries including Libya, Mali and Sudan.
The two countries also hold opposing positions on Western Sahara. While the UAE supports Morocco’s sovereignty claim, Algeria backs the Polisario Front’s independence movement.
Differences have also deepened after the UAE normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords and Algeria strongly criticized some media reports published in the UAE.
The airspace closure is expected to affect routes used by UAE airlines and military aircraft in North Africa and the Mediterranean region. Although commercial flights will continue for a period under the existing agreement, the future of air links between the two countries remains uncertain.
UAE calls for preservation of ties
The UAE expressed regret over Algeria’s decision and said it hoped the diplomatic crisis would be temporary.
The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constructive relations with all countries and stressed the importance of dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding.
Abu Dhabi called for the preservation of the historic and fraternal ties between the two peoples. The ministry said it respected the Algerian people and would continue supporting relations with Algerian citizens living in or visiting the UAE.
The severing of diplomatic ties has created a new period of uncertainty between the two countries, which have maintained political, economic and trade relations for many years. Neither side has said whether mediation efforts to restore relations will begin.
