Following Saudis, Oman finally opens airspace to all countries, including Israel

[Valin]

Times Of Israel

Gulf sultanate, traditionally a mediator between Iran and the West, makes move that will cut hours off travel to Far East, but does not indicate impending treaty with Jerusalem
Lazar Berman    

23 February 2023,

Oman will open its airspace to all carriers, the Gulf sultanate announced on Thursday, allowing Israeli civilians flights to cross its airspace.

“As part of the Sultanate of Oman’s continuous efforts to fulfill its obligations under the Chicago Convention of 1944, the Civil Aviation Authority affirms that the Sultanate’s airspace is open for all carriers that meet the requirements of the Authority for overflyuing [sic],” tweeted Oman’s CAA, not mentioning Israel by name.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message that the development turn Israel into “the central transfer point between Asia and Europe.”

Netanyahu added that work on opening Oman’s skies began with his 2018 visit to Oman.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen called the move “a historic decision that will shorten the journey to Asia, lower costs for Israelis, and help Israeli companies be more competitive.”

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“Haitham is much more cautious in his foreign policy because of his inexperience, and his preference to sit on the fence,” said Moran Zaga, an expert on the Gulf region at Mitvim – The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies.

Omani reticence around ties with Israel stems in some part from pressure from neighboring Iran.

Tariq will visit Tehran in the coming days to offer his mediation between Iran and the US on the stalled nuclear talks, according to Iran International.

(Snip)