Australia signs new air services understandings with Saudi Arabia and Oman

On 21 April 2011 the Australian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport announced that Australia had signed new understandings with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Both provide for restricted access to Australia's main airports. The statement notes that work is continuing on finalising the associate air services agreements.

Saudi Arabia initials "open skies" agreement with the United States

On 18 April 2011 the United States Department of State announced that it had initialled an "open skies" agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia to consider allowing cabotage flights?

A Reuters story dated 5 April 2011 reports that the Shoura (Shura) Council, the advisory assembly of the government in Saudi Arabia, has recommended consideration be given to grant some airlines from other Gulf states the right to operate domestic flights within Saudi Arabia. The report notes price caps on domestic air fares, and fuel subsidies and privatisation of Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia).

India and Saudi Arabia amend their air services arrangements

On 17 September 2009 India announced that it had approved enhanced opportunities in its air services arrangements that had been negotiated with Saudi Arabia (HT to Mike Swiatek). The enhanced features include multiple designation, a capacity increase and new destination points (see previous post).

Air services arrangements between Saudi Arabia and the UK criticised

On 4 November 2008 the Telegraph reported on criticism from Sir Michael Bishop, who is selling his controlling share in bmi to Lufthansa, of new air services arrangements negotiated between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia in July.

India and Saudi Arabia sign new air services arrangements

On 24 January 2007 the Government of India announced that it had signed new air services arrangements with Saudi Arabia. The new arrangements include a major capacity increase, new route opportunities and multiple designation, as well as a comprehensive liberalisation of arrangements for freighter services.