What does an open-skies policy involve?

An open-skies policy involves the elimination of regulations for international air traffic, which allows airlines from participating countries to operate freely on international routes without needing to negotiate specific bilateral agreements for each route. This policy promotes competition, enhances services, and often leads to lower airfares for consumers by allowing carriers to freely determine their own pricing and routes based on market demand. By removing restrictions, it facilitates increased air travel and greater connectivity between nations, ultimately benefiting both travelers and airlines in a more dynamic marketplace.

In contrast, the other options suggest various levels of regulation that an open-skies policy seeks to minimize or eliminate entirely, making them incompatible with the fundamental principles of an open-skies agreement.