The Persian Gulf State of Oman announced on Thursday that Israeli airlines will be permitted to pass through its airspace.

The announcement came after months of contact between the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Omani authorities

The use of Omani airspace, along with that of Saudi Arabia, will shorten flights to Asia from Israel by over two hours, significantly reducing ticket prices for Israelis and enabling Israeli airlines to compete with international airlines.

“This is a historical and meaningful decision for the Israeli economy and Israeli travelers,”  said Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

“I thank Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, the National Security Council, Director-General of the Foreign Ministry Ronen Levi, and the employees of the ministry who devotedly worked for the citizens of Israel and the Israeli economy. Special thanks to our friend Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said and our friends in the United States who accompanied us throughout the move. ”

Oman has no official relations with the State of Israel but the two countries have maintained discreet relations for years. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to Oman in 2018.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)