Belavia Airlines, the national carrier of Belarus, is set to commence its inaugural tourist flights to Salalah Airport from Minsk on Thursday, February 27, 2025. This development follows the Civil Aviation Authority’s approval, underscoring Oman’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector.

In its initial phase, Belavia will operate four flights to Salalah until late March 2025, utilizing a Boeing B737-800 aircraft with a seating capacity of 189 passengers. Plans are underway to extend operations into the summer season of 2026, bringing the total to 16 tourist flights during the first and second phases.

Dr. Abdullah bin Masoud Al Harthi, Honorary Consul of Belarus in Oman, highlighted that the introduction of direct flights is a testament to the strengthened bilateral relations between Oman and Belarus. This initiative follows the official visit of the President of Belarus to Oman, which focused on enhancing cooperation in sectors such as clean energy, tourism, education, healthcare, technology, transport, and logistics.

To facilitate travel, Belarusian citizens have been granted visa-free entry to Oman for stays up to 14 days, aiming to boost tourism and economic exchanges. Discussions are also underway to establish additional flights connecting Muscat and Minsk, further promoting investment and trade opportunities between the two nations.

This strategic partnership opens avenues in agriculture, industry, technology, and food security, laying a robust foundation for mutual economic development. The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been instrumental in streamlining procedures and supporting initiatives that fortify the Oman-Belarus relationship.