Botswana: Unlimited direct flights now authorized with Oman

Botswana and Oman signed an air services agreement based on the principle of open skies on September 17 in Gaborone. The new framework allows airlines from both countries to operate an unlimited number of direct flights for passengers and cargo.

The agreement includes 23 articles dedicated to the economic rules of air transport as well as regulatory and technical cooperation. It also outlines a route program aimed at enabling carriers to expand their networks between the airports of both countries.

Airlines will also be able to enter into code-sharing agreements. However, no airline, specific route, or date for the launch of a direct commercial service has been announced at this stage. Thus, the agreement removes a regulatory constraint without guaranteeing the immediate opening of a route.

The air agreement is part of nine instruments signed during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to Botswana. Other agreements focus on promoting investments, jointly developing opportunities in copper and gold, energy security, regional energy integration, and cooperation in pharmaceuticals and drug supply.

Botswana and Oman established diplomatic relations only on October 14, 2025. President Duma Boko subsequently visited Oman in October 2025 and again in April 2026, prior to the Omani sovereign’s visit to Gaborone on September 16 and 17.