Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
274. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to confirm if US Navy aircraft flew over Irish sovereign airspace this year; if it is still Irish policy that foreign military aircraft are not permitted to use Irish airspace while on active military operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1436/26]
View answerSpecific arrangements for the US were established in 1959, where overflights of US military aircraft are permitted without prior notification, on the basis that the aircraft are unarmed, carry only cargo and passengers and comply with navigational requirements.
With regard to the specific aircraft in question, I can confirm that it did fly through Irish sovereign airspace on that date. My Department has received assurances from the US Embassy that the overflight fully met the requirements of the 1959 arrangement, and was not involved in any military operations in Irish sovereign airspace.
