America, Saudi Arabia sign deal for 'unrestricted' access to US airspace

The United States has signed an "Open Skies" agreement with Saudi Arabia which will give the Saudis "unrestricted" access to U.S. airspace, according to the U.S. State Department.

The agreement, which the U.S. has with approximately 100 other nations, is expected to be fully implemented in three years.

A statement by State Department said that the United States-Saudi Arabia Open Skies agreement will permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other's territory, eliminating restrictions on how often the carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge, reports the Washington Times.

The agreement, it said, will allow for the strengthening and expansion of its strong trade and tourism links with Saudi Arabia, benefitting U.S. and Saudi Arabian businesses and travelers.

The agreement means Saudi airlines may fly from any point in the kingdom to any point in the United States, and that U.S. airlines may fly from any point in the U.S. to any airport in Saudi Arabia, the statement further said.

U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia James B. Smith and Dr. Faisal bin Hamad Al-Sugair, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Director of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, signed the deal on May 28.