Austria has denied the United States permission to use its airspace for military operations against Iran, citing neutrality.
A spokesperson for Austria’s defense ministry said there had been multiple requests from the U.S.
“For reasons of neutrality, Austria refuses overflights and the transit of troops if these would serve to provide military support to a party to any conflicts. If it is known that a military aircraft or military vehicle is directly or indirectly involved in a conflict, overflight or transit will be denied in consultation with the ministry of foreign affairs,” the spokesperson told Newsweek.
“Spain, France, Italy and now Austria have all denied the U.S. use of their airspace or bases for Iran operations,” Mario Nawfal wrote.
“Spain called it illegal and closed everything. France quietly blocked a weapons flight. Italy denied landing rights then denied the denial. Austria just made 4,” he continued.
🚨🇺🇸🇦🇹 NATO update: Spain, France, Italy and now Austria have all denied the U.S. use of their airspace or bases for Iran operations.
Spain called it illegal and closed everything. France quietly blocked a weapons flight. Italy denied landing rights then denied the denial.… https://t.co/efXi9SBGfH pic.twitter.com/auO0Pa5K8K
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 2, 2026
Newsweek has more:
Austria’s decision underscores mounting diplomatic friction between the U.S. and several European partners as the Middle East conflict deepens. While Austria is not a NATO member, its central geographic position in Europe makes its airspace strategically significant for military transit between Western Europe and the Middle East.
The refusal follows steps similar to those taken by Spain and Italy, which have also restricted U.S. military access to airspace or bases during the conflict—moves that have drawn criticism from the White House and raised questions about alliance cohesion. Spain’s decision last week to bar U.S. military aircraft from its airspace was seen as a particularly sharp break given its NATO membership.
Austria’s action further expands the list of European states limiting cooperation, reinforcing a broader pattern of hesitation among U.S. allies over involvement—direct or indirect—in the war with Iran.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been extremely vocal in his criticism of the U.S. and Israel for the conflict.
NATO Member Closes Airspace To U.S. Planes Involved In War Against Iran
Defense Minister Margarita Robles said denying any U.S. planes involved in the Iran war access to its airspace followed the same logic as denying use of jointly operated military bases in Spain.
“This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Robles said.
Anadolu Ajansı noted:
Austria, which maintains a longstanding policy of military neutrality, has not imposed a general ban on US overflights but is reviewing requests on a case-by-case basis, according to the ministry.
The opposition Social Democratic Party (SPO) also called on the government to maintain its current stance.
“Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (OVP) should not approve a single further US military flight to the Gulf. Nor should she approve any transport flights or other logistical support. Just as Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland are doing. This war is damaging Austrian economic interests, Europe as a whole, and world peace,” said Sven Hergovich, head of the SPO in Lower Austria.