Embodiments include methods, in a base station operating in a wireless communications network, for over-the-air synchronization with a cell served by a further base station. Embodiments include sending, to a core network (CN) node, a first eNB Configuration Transfer message comprising: an identity of a target base station, and a first SON Information Request IE comprising a value indicating a request for time synchronization information. Embodiments include receiving, from the CN node, a first MME Configuration Transfer message comprising a SON Information Reply IE that originated from the target base station and includes a muting availability flag. If the flag indicates that muting can be activated in the target base station, embodiments include sending, to the CN node, a second eNB Configuration Transfer message comprising the identity of the target base station and a second SON Information Request IE comprising a value for activating muting in the target base station.