Algeria Sever Diplomatic Relations with UAE, Closes Airspace
Algeria has officially cut its diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, alleging "provocative and hostile acts." The country will also close its airspace to UAE-registered flights starting Friday.
Sources
Algeria officially severed diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, citing "provocative and hostile acts," and will close its airspace to UAE flights beginning Friday, although commercial flights to and from Algiers can continue until the end of 2026. The decision follows years of strained relations due to the UAE's expanding influence in northern and western Africa, with Algeria accusing it of destabilizing countries such as Libya and Sudan. Algeria has given the UAE's ambassador 48 hours to comply with the break in relations, while the Emirati Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the situation would be temporary.
Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, citing a series of "provocative and hostile" actions, and announced the closure of its airspace to UAE-registered aircraft effective from September 11, 2026, with exceptions for UAE commercial flights to and from Algiers until the year's end. The Algerian Foreign Ministry accused the UAE of interference in regional affairs and stated that it had exhausted efforts to maintain bilateral relations. Meanwhile, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash urged that diplomacy should be based on clarity and rationality, expressing hope that the diplomatic rift would be temporary.