Israel says Oman will open its airspace to Israeli carrier

Israel's prime minister on Monday announced that Oman will open its airspace to Israel's national airline.

The move appears to have no immediate practical effect because carrier El Al is still barred from flying over Oman's northern neighbour, Saudi Arabia. But it marks another sign of warming ties between Israel and Gulf Arab states, as Israel's behind-the-scenes dealings with its former foes become more public.

Benjamin Netanyahu told a gathering of Israeli ambassadors that Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said granted El Al permission to pass through its airspace during the Israeli leader's surprise visit to the country in October.

The two states have no formal diplomatic relations. Israel only has peace agreements with two Arab states Egypt and Jordan.

El Al said the news of Oman's permission took the airline by surprise, but that it "welcomes the prime minister's political activity to achieve every possible flight shortcut to and from Israel."
El Al said Monday that its lawsuit has not yet been resolved and stressed that the carrier "always seeks to ensure fair competition and equal opportunities between Israeli airlines and foreign airlines."