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Date Published: 02/10/2024

UK to file formal complaint over alleged Spanish military incursion in Gibraltar airspace

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Tensions between the UK and Spain rise once again as negotiations over Gibraltar continue

UK to file formal complaint over alleged Spanish military incursion in Gibraltar airspace

The British Foreign Office is preparing to lodge a formal complaint with the Spanish government following an alleged incursion by a Spanish Air Force aircraft into Gibraltar’s airspace last Friday, September 27.

This incident has further escalated tensions between the two countries, coming at a delicate time as both nations, along with the European Union, are engaged in ongoing negotiations to resolve the status of Gibraltar.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office confirmed that they were aware of the incident and that a diplomatic representation would be made to the Spanish authorities, although no specific timeline for this action has been provided.

The alleged incursion was witnessed by several people, who reported seeing the aircraft over Gibraltar. According to Gibraltarian media outlet GBC, the plane in question was identified as a BARB 061 of the Spanish Air Force.

The aircraft reportedly flew over the Rock at a time when a British Airways flight was positioned on the runway at Gibraltar’s airport, heightening the seriousness of the incident.

Further speculation arose when it was reported that the same aircraft might have flown over Gibraltar again on Monday afternoon, though this second incident has not yet been officially confirmed.

This episode has added strain to an already sensitive situation as the UK, Spain, and the EU continue to negotiate Gibraltar's future, following the UK's exit from the European Union.

Diplomatic relations between Spain and the UK have often been tested by issues surrounding Gibraltar, and this latest incident is likely to put further pressure on discussions aimed at reaching a long-term agreement.

See also: Rocky relations—Gibraltar demands return of stolen concrete block from Spain

Image: Archive

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