Algeria closes airspace to UAE Aircraft

Algeria has closed its airspace to UAE-registered aircraft
The ban took effect on 11 September 2026
Commercial flights to and from Algiers are exempt until the end of 2026
Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia are affected
Flights must route around Algerian airspace

Algeria has closed its airspace to all UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft starting 11 September 2026, following a decision to sever diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates. The airspace prohibition took effect at midnight. The ban applies to all civilian and military aircraft wearing an Emirati registration mark, blocking both landings and overflights.

Commercial passenger flights operating directly to and from Algiers airport are granted an exemption to continue running until the end of 2026. Algiers gave the UAE ambassador 48 hours to leave the country. The Algerian foreign ministry stated that the move came after exhausting all ways to save relations, accusing Abu Dhabi of provocative and hostile actions. Algiers blames the UAE for destabilising countries in northern and western Africa, including Libya, Sudan and Mali. Political friction had already built up over several months, leading Algeria to pull back on previous bilateral air agreements.

Carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia face strict overflight blocks on affected paths. Flights from the UAE heading to parts of Europe or western Mediterranean locations like Malaga, Lisbon and Casablanca must now route around Algerian airspace. The detours add extra block time and fuel burn for standard itineraries that previously cut straight across North African skies.