Oman Civil Aviation Authority

The Civil Aviation Authority  of the Sultanate of Oman fulfilling its obligations under the Chicago Convention of 1944 tweeted that the country’s airspace is open for all carriers meeting requirements of the Authority for overflying .

Credit Gulf News

The decision to open Omani airspace for Israel, although the tweet did not specifically mention Israel, was taken by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman. The flying time from Israel to Asia will be reduced by around two hours commercially benefitting the Israeli aviation sector.

Credit 124NEWS

Opening Airspace for Israel

This opening of airspace to Israel comes on the heels of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s permission to Israeli planes to overfly but despite this Israeli airlines had to detour Omani airspace to reach Asian countries including Thailand and India. Oman has not established diplomatic concessions with Israel and apparently played its cards well and may have obtained diplomatic leverage and concessions with Israel and the US both .

Credit Abouther.com

Omani Women in Mainstream

In a related development as part of developing its aviation sector Oman Air,  the national carrier , appointed its first female pilot.  Maha Al Balushi has become a role model for Omani women in the aviation sector .The Sultanate of Oman is projecting a liberal and soft image which would benefit its tourism sector and diversify its economy.