Ireland Denies Use of Its Airspace for US Military Operations Against Iran

Dublin: Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the United States is using Irish airspace in connection with military operations against Iran.

Both leaders were responding to questions from reporters amid growing international scrutiny over airspace use during the ongoing Middle East conflict.

No Evidence of Airspace Use

Speaking during St. Patrick’s Day events in Boston, McEntee said the government has “no reason to believe” that US aircraft are using Irish airspace for operations related to the conflict in Iran.

She emphasised that Ireland operates under a long-established set of rules governing airspace, which apply equally to all countries. These regulations, in place since the 1950s, require that any military aircraft passing through Irish airspace—whether landing, refuelling or transiting—must strictly adhere to national guidelines.

“There are clear procedures in place, and there are no plans to change them,” McEntee said.

The issue arose after Switzerland reportedly declined a US request to use its airspace, citing its neutrality under international law. When asked whether Ireland would adopt a similar stance, McEntee reiterated that Ireland’s existing framework already governs such situations.

Responding to reports of attacks affecting civilians in Iran, she also stated that the killing of children is “completely wrong” and reaffirmed Ireland’s long-standing position that conflict is not a solution.

Taoiseach Rejects Claims Linking Ireland to Conflict

Taoiseach Micheál Martin also addressed the issue, rejecting claims that Irish infrastructure has been used in military operations abroad.

He noted that there have been repeated attempts to link Shannon Airport to conflicts such as Gaza, describing such claims as unfounded.

Martin stressed that Ireland has no military bases and that all aircraft using Irish airspace must comply with established rules. He added that there is no evidence to suggest Irish airspace has been used for attacks related to the current conflict involving Iran.

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