Salalah – Belarusian airline Belavia will operate its first charter flight to Salalah Airport from Minsk on Thursday following approval from Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The move reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Oman’s tourism sector and deepen bilateral ties with Belarus.

In the initial phase, Belavia will operate four charter flights until the end of the winter season in late March, using a Boeing B737-800 aircraft of 189-passenger capacity. CAA stated that the airline is expected to continue operations through the summer, with a total of 16 flights planned across both phases.

Dr Abdullah bin Masoud al Harthy, Honorary Consul of Belarus in Oman, described the launch of direct flights a result of sustained efforts to strengthen relations between the two nations. He linked the development to the official visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to Oman in December 2024, which helped identify key sectors for cooperation, including clean energy, tourism, education, healthcare, technology and logistics.

“These direct flights will be a significant boost for Oman’s tourism, particularly in Dhofar governorate,” Harthy said. “These will also help enhance trade and investment between the two countries, especially since Belarusian citizens now enjoy visa-free entry to Oman for up to 14 days, facilitating travel and economic exchange.”

Plans are underway to launch additional direct flights connecting Muscat with Minsk. Harthy believes this will open new opportunities for investment and trade while contributing to the economic growth of both countries.

He also highlighted promising opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, industry and food security. Harthy praised the role of Oman’s Foreign Ministry in facilitating the partnership, which aims to foster stronger economic ties and mutual development.