The Sultanate of Oman has made a significant move to expand its international air connectivity by signing four bilateral air transport service agreements with the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Zambia, and Cabo Verde. These agreements came about during the Air Services Negotiation Event, ICAN 2025, held in Punta Cana of the Dominican Republic, which brought together aviation representatives from around the world.
The agreements, inked on behalf of the Oman government by Naif bin Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, establish a regulatory framework for air transport services between Oman and the four partner countries. This shall pave the way for airlines to operate flights, decide on frequencies, and manage international air travel, with full adherence to international standards. According to officials, the agreements are expected to open up opportunities for new routes, increase flight connectivity, and improve cargo and passenger transport between Oman and the participating countries.
“These agreements are part of Oman’s strategic plan to enhance its international air links and strengthen the country’s position as a regional aviation hub,” said Al Abri. “By establishing formal agreements with countries across Latin America and Africa, Oman is diversifying its partnerships beyond traditional routes and opening up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment.”
The move also aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the nation’s long-term development strategy that places emphasis on economic diversification, modern infrastructure, and sustainable growth. The transport and logistics sector features among the main sectors for development under Vision 2040, in which improving global air connectivity is seen as important for attracting investment, promoting tourism, and enhancing commerce. The new agreements underpin these ambitions by offering a framework for reliable, safe, and efficient air services to countries across a number of regions.
Bilateral air agreements are a significant factor in opening up markets, creating opportunities for airlines, and contributing to economic growth, say aviation experts. Thus, the Sultanate is positioning itself as a gateway in international travel and trade, linking Oman to countries in Latin America, Africa, and the Atlantic region. Airlines in Oman and from the partner nations will be working on creating new routes and schedules that would promote both passenger and cargo transport.
The agreements are also likely to have broader economic implications. For example, increased international flights could stimulate tourism and hospitality sectors, improve business and investment opportunities, and increase cultural ties with partner countries. This might also involve the upgrading of Oman’s airports and related infrastructures to accommodate the expected increased air traffic, further assisting the country’s longer-term development goals.
The agreements provide the legal and operational framework; the actual impact will arise from implementation. Experts say that the agreements require airlines to coordinate effectively, governments to support tourism and investment, and infrastructure to be ready to take on increased traffic. With these agreements, Oman has shown commitment to furthering international air connectivity for the promotion of sustainable economic growth and the advancement of its Vision 2040 goals. While connecting different regions, with structured frameworks on air services, the Sultanate is positioning itself as a modern, globally connected country to use its strategic location to full advantage in the aviation sector.
