Amman, Aug. 13 (Petra) -- Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian company operating Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), strengthened the airport's position as Jordan's "prime gateway" during the first half of 2026.
In its report, the AIG delivered key milestones across connectivity, passenger experience, sustainability and community engagement despite a challenging regional operating environment.
QAIA's route network grew during the first half of the year, providing passengers with "greater" travel options while strengthening Jordan's global connectivity.
As for new destinations, Royal Jordanian (RJ) launched new services to Misrata, Munich, Hamburg, Dallas-Fort Worth and Tashkent, alongside the resumption of flights to Sharjah, Alexandria and Vienna. The airport also welcomed FlyAden's inaugural service to Aden, further supporting tourism, trade, business travel and stronger links with key regional and international markets.
A strong focus on passenger experience led to "significant" international recognition for QAIA. During H1 2026, the airport achieved Level 4 Accreditation under Airports Council International's (ACI) Airport Customer Experience Accreditation program.
QAIA also entered the Skytrax World's Top 100 Airports 2026 for the first time, ranking 97th globally, while earning regional recognition as the 4th Best Regional Airport in the Middle East, 6th for Best Airport Staff in the Middle East, and 8th among airports serving between five and ten million passengers annually.
Progress in sustainability was "equally significant." QAIA became the first airport in the Middle East to achieve ISO 50001 certification for its Energy Management System, reinforcing AIG's commitment to operational efficiency and internationally recognized best practices.
Additionally, the airport launched its upgraded air quality monitoring station, fully integrated with Jordan's national monitoring network to provide real-time environmental data that supports informed decision-making and broader sustainability efforts.
The airport's impact extended beyond aviation through the Airport International Group Foundation (AIGF). During H1, AIGF launched the seventh cohort of its Hirfati Training Center, introducing six market-driven vocational and educational programs: Hybrid Car Maintenance, Barbering, Hairdressing, Fashion Design and Tailoring, Data Entry, and English.
The new cohort attracted more than 220 applications from youth across Al Jizah and neighboring communities, with 75 trainees enrolling to begin their learning journey.
To strengthen program delivery and long-term impact, AIGF also signed an implementation agreement with Pioneers for Development and Training, reinforcing its commitment to equipping youth and women with the skills needed to access employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
QAIA also brought passengers, visitors and the wider community together through a variety of events and celebrations. Jordanian Flag Day and Independence Day were celebrated with on-site festivities and cultural performances, while dedicated viewing areas created a vibrant gathering space for travelers and visitors to enjoy FIFA World Cup matches.
Commenting on these achievements, Nicolas Deviller, Chief Executive Officer of Airport International Group, said: "Despite the challenging geopolitical environment in the region, Jordan has continued to demonstrate resilience, and Queen Alia International Airport has remained a reliable gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. An airport's success is reflected in the confidence of its airline partners, the experience it creates for passengers, the way it embraces innovation and sustainability, and the value it generates for the communities it serves." "These milestones would not have been possible without the continued trust and collaboration of our stakeholders, as well as the dedication and commitment of our employees, to whom we extend our sincere appreciation. Every milestone we achieved during the first half of 2026 reinforces our long-term vision for QAIA as a resilient, future-ready gateway that supports Jordan's growth and strengthens its connection to the world," he added.
//Petra// NQ
