AQABA, Sept. 12 (Petra) – The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), in collaboration with the national carrier Royal Jordanian (RJ), has launched an extensive promotional and marketing tour in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

According to an authority statement released on Saturday, the roadshow operationalizes a strategic cooperation agreement establishing direct, scheduled international flights between Aqaba and Riyadh.

The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to expand air connectivity, stimulate tourism and investment inflows, and cement Aqaba’s status as a leading regional hub on the tourism and business map.

ASEZA Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Thabet Nabulsi emphasized that launching the direct air link marks a qualitative milestone in upgrading Aqaba’s aviation infrastructure via King Hussein International Airport.

Nabulsi explained that the strategic partnership with Royal Jordanian aims to open new, sustainable tourism markets that advance the economic vision of the special economic zone while serving the rising expectations of visitors from Saudi Arabia.

For his part, Royal Jordanian Chief Commercial Officer Karim Makhlouf announced that under the finalized operational schedule, direct flights between Aqaba and Riyadh will operate twice weekly through King Hussein International Airport, with the inaugural flight officially taking off on September 17.

//Petra// AA