Algeria closes its airspace to UAE aircrafts after cutting diplomatic ties

[HEADLINE] Algeria Severes Diplomatic Ties with UAE, Imposes Airspace Restrictions
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Published on
11/09/2026 – 5:16 GMT+2

Algeria has closed its airspace to Emirati‑registered civilian and military aircraft after ending diplomatic relations with the Gulf nation on Thursday following years of heightened tension.

In a formal statement announcing the severance of diplomatic relations, Algiers accused the United Arab Emirates of “provocative and hostile acts,” although the precise trigger for the sudden rupture remains unspecified.

The Algerian Defence Ministry confirmed that an airspace ban on Emirati aircraft would take effect on Friday, with an exception for commercial flights operating between Algiers Airport and its foreign destinations, which may continue until the close of 2026.

On Thursday, Algiers granted the UAE ambassador a 48‑hour window to comply with the decision and depart the country.

The foreign ministry declared that the move was taken “after exhausting all avenues” to salvage bilateral ties, noting that it had previously issued repeated warnings to Abu Dhabi.

“Algeria put immense effort to draw the Emirati leadership’s attention to, and to caution it against, the severe consequences that could arise from its regrettable and unjustified behaviour,” the ministry stated, adding that the UAE “persisted in its actions, reaching a level deemed unacceptable.”

Emirati officials expressed regret over the decision, with the foreign ministry emphasizing that it hoped the measure would be temporary in order to preserve “fraternal relations” with Algiers.

“Wherever they set foot, blood flows”

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has repeatedly described the UAE as a “micro‑state” seeking to destabilise regional neighbours, citing instability in Libya, Mali and Sudan as examples.

During a televised interview in July, Tebboune delivered a sharp condemnation of Abu Dhabi, asserting that “wherever they set foot, blood flows.” He continued, “We wish them to stay away so that blood does not flow in our country,” adding that, had Algiers not sought to prevent further division within the Arab world, such a breakdown would have occurred long ago.

Tensions between the two states have been intensified by recent developments, notably Algeria’s perception of the UAE’s intervention in North African and Sahelian affairs as contrary to its policy of non‑intervention and a potential threat to national security.

Further friction stems from divergent diplomatic stances, including the UAE’s normalization of relations with Israel in 2020.

Additional sources
• AFP, AP

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