Oman joins Saudi in opening its airspace for Israeli carriers

Israeli airways can now fly over Oman after the Gulf nation opened its airspace for all carriers.

Flight from Israel to Asian locations reminiscent of Thailand and India could be shortened by at the least two hours. [File: Karim Sahib/AFP]

Israeli airways can now fly over Oman after the Gulf nation opened its airspace for all carriers that meet the civil aviation authority’s necessities.

Israel’s international minister Eli Cohen on Thursday thanked Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Mentioned for the choice which can shorten flight instances to Asia.

“It’s an historic and important choice for the Israeli economic system and the Israeli traveller,” Cohen mentioned.

Final 12 months Saudi Arabia allowed Israeli airways to make use of its airspace however as a result of Omani airspace was closed, Israeli carriers couldn't use the path to fly to Asia. The Saudi Arabian choice got here after United States President Joe Biden visited the area final 12 months.

Flight from Israel to Asian locations reminiscent of Thailand and India could be shortened by at the least two hours.

Israel and Oman haven't any diplomatic relations, however the Gulf state appeared to have been much less reluctant in publicising its relations with Israel. In 2018, the late Sultan Qaboos acquired Netanyahu in Muscat.

Oman was one of many first international locations to congratulate the UAE and Bahrain, who established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020.