Amman, Aug. 18 (Petra) -- The Amman City Airport has resumed commercial operations, providing additional air travel options between Jordan and more than 15 Arab and international destinations through low-cost airlines. Since flights resumed at the beginning of this year, the airport has handled around 200,000 passengers.

The airport has received 1,650 commercial flights operated by eight local, Arab and foreign airlines, with operations progressing toward a target of two million passengers in the second phase of its development.

Located near central Amman and serving as an alternative to the Queen Alia International Airport, the Amman City Airport provides additional travel options between Amman, countries in the region and Europe through low-cost carriers.

The Jordan Airports Company (JAC) CEO Ahmad Azzam said the airport’s commercial operations are important for supporting tourism and the national economy.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Azzam said the resumption of regular commercial flights was part of efforts to strengthen the air transport system, diversify travel options and support tourism and the national economy.

He said the use of an existing national asset, along with its location and infrastructure, is consistent with efforts to improve the efficiency of government investments and make greater use of existing resources. He added that the commercial operation of the airport aims to support tourism and the economy and expand low-cost air travel options.

Azzam identified the airport’s proximity to central Amman as one of its main advantages, as it reduces travel time to and from the airport and makes travel more convenient, particularly for short-haul and regional flights.

He said measures had been taken to encourage operations, including reducing the departure tax from JD 40 to JD 10, following the airport’s classification as a secondary airport and as part of efforts to encourage tourism.

The presence of low-cost airlines, he said, increases competition and provides citizens and tourists with more options in terms of fares. It may also help attract travelers whose decisions are significantly influenced by ticket prices.

Azzam said the aim was to gradually expand the airport’s network rather than focus on a single destination or market, with priority given to Gulf and other Arab countries before expanding into additional markets, including Europe, depending on commercial demand and operating agreements.

He said Jordan Airports Company had contacted more than 17 low-cost airlines since operations began, with most expressing interest in operating flights to and from the airport.

Work is continuing to attract more airlines and diversify destinations, he said, noting that the airport’s infrastructure allows for the introduction of new direct destinations in the future, as well as increased frequencies on some existing routes. This would provide Jordanian travelers with more options in terms of fares, destinations and travel times.

Azzam said development and rehabilitation works at the Amman City Airport had covered both airside and ground facilities. The work included rehabilitating the approximately 3.3-kilometer runway and aircraft stands. The airport is also equipped to handle aircraft commonly used by low-cost airlines, including the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737.

He added that departure and arrival halls had been equipped to handle two fully loaded flights at the same time. Duty-free facilities, along with basic services and facilities required by passengers and airlines, are also available.

On the airport’s role during regional disruptions and the closure of neighboring airports, Al-Azzam said its presence as an additional civilian airport within Jordan’s airport system provides additional operational capacity and supports the flexibility and continuity of the aviation sector. Its use can be determined according to operational and security requirements and regulatory decisions.

He said recent regional developments had highlighted the importance of countries having more than one air gateway, particularly as some airports in the region had experienced temporary suspensions or restrictions on operations.

The presence of the Amman City Airport alongside the Queen Alia International Airport and the King Hussein International Airport enhances Jordan’s ability to manage and distribute air traffic and respond to regional developments, he added.

Azzam said the resumption of operations reflected official attention to the airport’s role in supporting the national economy and tourism, within the framework of the Economic Modernisation Vision launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II.

He noted that the airport had met the safety and security requirements and standards required by airlines and passengers, enabling it to resume operations.

The airport aims to reach two million passengers in the second phase of its development following further expansion of its airside and ground facilities, he said.

The Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission had previously announced the granting of an official license to the Amman City Airport to operate civil flights, in line with government plans and the Economic Modernisation Vision to develop infrastructure and strengthen Jordan’s role as a regional center for logistics and air transport.

Established in 1950, the airport receives low-cost airlines and short-haul flights from countries in the region and Europe, with aircraft carrying around 200 passengers.

Amman City Airport Executive Director Mohammad Al-Amayreh said the airport underwent an initial phase of commercial operations during the first half of this year, involving a gradual transition to regular flights while maintaining stable and safe operations.

The period also saw gradual growth in the number of flights, airlines and destinations, reflecting increased air traffic and the confidence of airlines in the airport’s ability to accommodate and operate flights efficiently, he said.

Al-Amayreh added that the airport had demonstrated its ability to manage airside and ground operations and coordinate among the various parties involved, while continuing to develop procedures, support services and operational efficiency.

Regarding passenger services, he said the airport had provided an organized travel environment through its halls, facilities and basic services, while facilitating departure and arrival procedures and providing passengers with guidance and assistance.

He said the first half of the year established a basis for expansion during the second half through increased air traffic, attracting additional airlines and destinations, and improving services and operational efficiency.

Transport Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Al-Duwairi said the resumption of airport operations supports Jordan’s role in regional air traffic and aviation activities, while contributing to competitiveness and the efficiency of civil aviation infrastructure.

He stressed the airport’s importance and strategic role in supporting Jordan’s aviation sector.

Air transport and strengthening the role of Jordanian airports are among the government’s priorities under the Economic Modernisation Vision, which aims to strengthen Jordan’s position as a regional center for air transport, he said.

//Petra//WH

18/08/2026 12:08:59