Algeria Bars Emirati Aircraft From Its Airspace From 10 October 2026

Algeria announced on Thursday 9 October 2026 that it was severing diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and later the same day said it would close its airspace to all Emirati aircraft, both military and civilian, from Friday 10 October 2026. The Algerian Foreign Ministry accused Abu Dhabi of “provocative and hostile actions.”

Key facts

• Diplomatic relations severed effective Thursday 9 October 2026
• Airspace closed to all Emirati aircraft from Friday 10 October 2026
• Direct Algeria–UAE flights are temporarily exempt until existing contracts expire at the end of 2026
• The UAE ambassador was given 48 hours to act in accordance with the decision

What is changing for air travel?

Beginning Friday 10 October 2026, Algeria will close its airspace to all Emirati aircraft, both military and civilian. Direct flights between Algeria and the UAE are temporarily exempt from the ban until existing contracts expire at the end of 2026.

The source does not state what happens to those routes after the contracts expire, or whether other flights affected by the airspace closure will be rerouted or cancelled.

Why is this happening?

The Algerian Foreign Ministry said Algeria had warned the UAE about the consequences of its conduct and that “after all avenues for preserving relations were exhausted,” the government decided to sever ties. The ministry said the UAE ambassador was summoned on Thursday and formally notified of the decision.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated over several years. The source cites Algerian allegations of UAE interference in its internal affairs, opposing positions on the Abraham Accords and the Western Sahara dispute, and clashes of interest in the Sahel. In July, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune described the UAE as a “micro-state” seeking to destabilize countries in the region.

How has the UAE responded?

The UAE Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the decision would be only temporary, and said the UAE appreciates the Algerian people and the bonds between the two peoples. Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE president, wrote on X that diplomatic relations should be conducted through “logic, communication and clearly defined interests.”

What this means for travellers

Travellers should note that direct flights between Algeria and the UAE continue for now, but are described as a temporary exemption that runs only until existing contracts expire at the end of 2026. Anyone planning travel on those routes after that date should check the status of flights before booking.

No changes to visas, passports or entry requirements for travellers are mentioned in the source.

The source does not say what further measures either government may take next.