Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Algeria Severs UAE Ties and Closes Airspace Amid Tensions
Algeria has ended its diplomatic relationship with the United Arab Emirates.
It also decided to block most aircraft registered in the UAE from using Algerian airspace.
The restriction begins at midnight on September 11, 2026.
UAE commercial flights to Algiers can still operate until the end of 2026 because of an existing agreement.
Algeria says the UAE took actions that were hostile and could make the region less stable.
The countries disagree about how to handle conflicts and politics in North Africa and the Sahel.
Algeria is concerned about UAE links to forces in Libya and Sudan and a reported drone base in Mauritania.
They have also disagreed over media coverage of Algeria and over Israel and the Palestinian cause.
The UAE said it hopes the break will be temporary and wants to preserve friendly ties.
Algeria severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates after years of escalating tensions.
Algeria’s airspace ban on UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft takes effect at midnight on September 11, 2026.
UAE commercial flights to and from Algiers will continue until the end of 2026 under an existing contract.
Algeria accused the UAE of provocative and hostile acts and ordered its ambassador to comply within 48 hours.
Disputes involve regional influence in the Sahel, Libya, Sudan, Mauritania, media coverage, and opposing positions on Israel.
- Who
- The governments of Algeria and the United Arab Emirates, including Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- What
- Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the UAE and closed its airspace to UAE-registered civilian and military aircraft, with an exception for certain commercial flights until the end of 2026.
- When
- The airspace restriction takes effect at midnight on September 11, 2026; commercial flights covered by the existing contract may continue until the end of 2026.
- Where
- The measures apply to Algerian airspace and flights involving Algiers’ Houari Boumediene International Airport.
- Why
- Algeria said it had exhausted efforts to preserve relations and accused the UAE of provocative and hostile acts, including regional conduct it viewed as destabilizing.
Algeria’s Position
United Arab Emirates’ Position
Reason for the diplomatic rupture
Algeria’s Position
Algeria said it had repeatedly warned the UAE and exhausted efforts to preserve bilateral relations because of conduct it considered unacceptable, provocative, and hostile.
United Arab Emirates’ Position
The UAE expressed hope that the diplomatic rupture would be temporary and emphasized its desire to preserve fraternal ties with Algeria.
Regional policies
Algeria’s Position
Algeria views UAE support for Khalifa Haftar, alleged backing for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, and a reported drone base in Mauritania as interference and potential security threats.
United Arab Emirates’ Position
The article does not report a detailed UAE response to these specific allegations, but presents the UAE as pursuing regional policies that differ sharply from Algeria’s approach.
Political and foreign-policy differences
Algeria’s Position
Algeria objected to what it described as hostile media coverage from UAE-based Sky News Arabia and remains a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause.
United Arab Emirates’ Position
The UAE normalized relations with Israel in 2020, reflecting a different position from Algeria on Israel and regional diplomacy.
- Airspace measure
- Algeria banned civilian and military aircraft registered in the UAE from its airspace.
- Effective date
- Midnight on September 11, 2026.
- Commercial-flight exception
- UAE commercial flights to and from Algiers remain allowed until the end of 2026.
- Diplomatic action
- Algeria severed diplomatic relations and gave the UAE ambassador 48 hours to comply with the decision.
- Algerian accusation
- Algiers described UAE conduct as provocative and hostile.
- Main regional dispute
- The countries differ over regional influence and security in North Africa and the Sahel.
- Position of the UAE
- The UAE expressed hope that the rupture would be temporary and said it wanted to preserve fraternal ties with Algeria.