ALGIERS— Algeria has closed its airspace to civilian and military aircraft registered in the United Arab Emirates, escalating a diplomatic dispute that has now reached the aviation sector.
The restriction took effect at midnight on September 11, 2026, following Algeria’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with the UAE.
The measure affects UAE-registered airlines including Emirates (EK) and Etihad Airways (EY), with potential consequences for services linking the Gulf with Europe and North Africa.
However, UAE commercial flights operating to and from Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) have been temporarily exempted from the restriction until the end of 2026.
Algeria Bans Emirates and Etihad From Its Airspace
Algeria announced the airspace closure shortly after cutting diplomatic ties with the UAE, accusing Abu Dhabi of taking provocative and hostile actions.
Algiers did not identify a specific incident behind the diplomatic rupture, but the two countries have faced increasingly sharp disagreements over regional conflicts and foreign policy.
The Algerian government has previously accused the UAE of interfering in regional affairs, including in Libya, Sudan and the Sahel.
The UAE has rejected allegations that it destabilizes the region or supports armed groups in conflicts where it has been accused of involvement.
The new aviation restriction covers UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft arriving from or departing for the UAE.
That means the measure extends beyond flights directly connecting Algeria and the UAE and could affect international services whose routes cross Algerian-controlled airspace.
Impact on Emirates and Etihad
The restrictions come after Algeria had already begun terminating its air services agreement with the UAE. The agreement, signed in 2013 and ratified in 2014, provided the framework for air services between the two countries.
Emirates had previously been expected to continue serving Algeria during the notice period, with its last scheduled Algiers service initially reported for February 2027.
The latest airspace decision, however, creates a new limitation, with the exemption for commercial flights to and from Algiers running only through December 2026.
Etihad continues to operate services between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Malaga Airport (AGP), while both Etihad and Emirates serve Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) from their respective UAE hubs.
The carriers also operate services linking the UAE with destinations in Europe, including Lisbon Airport (LIS).
Carriers Now Face Longer Flight Routes
The closure could force affected UAE-registered aircraft to avoid Algerian airspace when operating between the UAE and destinations farther west in Europe or North Africa.
Depending on the routing selected by airlines and air traffic authorities, avoiding the area could increase flight distances and operating times.
Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Malaga service is one example of a route that could require operational adjustments because the aircraft travels between the Gulf and southern Europe.
Emirates’ Dubai-Casablanca service also crosses the broader region affected by the restrictions, making route planning an important consideration for the airline, PYOK flagged.
The wider impact will depend on the alternative airways available to UAE carriers and how long Algeria maintains the restrictions. For now, the measure represents one of the clearest aviation consequences of the rapidly deteriorating Algeria-UAE relationship.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
