Spain has closed its airspace to flights involved in Operation Epic Fury, blocking U.S. jets stationed in countries like the UK and France from using its airspace in the war against Iran.
Spain Restricts Airspace for U.S. Flights Supporting Iran War
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez first indicated the decision last Wednesday, stating, ‘We have denied the United States the use of the Rota and Morón air bases for this illegal war.’ He added that all flight plans related to the operation in Iran have been rejected, including those for refueling aircraft.
Spanish authorities will reportedly allow exceptions for emergency situations requiring access to their airspace.
The airspace closure has complicated Operation Epic Fury for U.S. bombers flying from RAF Fairford in the UK to the Middle East. In some instances, when flights over France were not authorized—either due to cargo or operational reasons—jets were forced to detour around the Iberian Peninsula, entering through the Strait of Gibraltar.
These aircraft are now required to refuel with tanker planes stationed at Lajes Air Base in the Azores, Portugal.
The U.S. has also been denied the use of its air bases in Cadiz and Seville to support operations targeting Iran.
However, the ban does not extend to U.S. naval ships stationed at the Rota naval base in Cadiz, which are playing a role in the conflict. The USS Oscar Austin, USS Roosevelt, and USS Burkeley have been deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to protect Israel from potential retaliatory strikes from Iran.
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