Spain Completely Closes Its Airspace for Strikes on Iran

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MADRID – Spain has completely closed its airspace to flights involved in Operation Epic Fury, launched by the US and Israel against Iran. The country has also refused airspace access to US aircraft stationed in third countries, such as the UK or France, according to military sources.

Previously, Spain had banned the use of its Rota military base in Cádiz and Morón de la Frontera in Sevilla by fighter jets or refuelling aircraft participating in the strikes.

“We have denied the United States the use of the Rota and Morón bases for this illegal war. All flight plans involving operations in Iran have been rejected. Everything, including for refuelling aircraft,” said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as reported by Spanish media El País on Monday.

In other words, the air routes intended for use by bomber aircraft or tankers participating in this operation have not been approved. Spain’s ban has one exception: in emergency situations, the relevant aircraft will be permitted to transit or land.

However, this does not mean that the Morón and Rota bases are not used by US Air Force (USAF) aircraft, as all missions included in the bilateral agreement with Washington remain in effect, such as logistical support for US forces deployed in Europe—totalling around 80,000 personnel—continuing as usual.

Support has also been provided, from the Seville Air Traffic Control Centre owned by the public entity ENAIRE, for the navigation of B-2 Spirit bomber aircraft departing from their base in Whiteman, Missouri, attacking Iran, and then returning on a non-stop flight lasting more than 30 hours. However, these bomber aircraft did not enter Spanish airspace but crossed the Strait of Gibraltar as a transit point, something Spain cannot prevent.

Beyond the government’s “Reject War” slogan, Spain’s stance on the conflict that began more than a month ago has gradually taken more technical steps, to the point where the country is now approaching neutrality.