Amman, Feb. 3 (Petra) -- Jordan Airports Company (JAC) CEO Ahmad Azzam said commercial operations at Amman City Airport (ACA) are a "priority" to boost tourism, support the national economy, and expand low-cost travel options for passengers flying between Amman and destinations across the region and Europe.
Speaking at the Government Communication Forum hosted by the Ministry of Government Communication, themed: "Amman City Airport," Azzam said the airport, which had been closed for maintenance and technical rehabilitation, received its official license and new name at the end of last year from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission after completing technical readiness requirements, aviation safety and security measures, and passenger facilitation standards.
Azzam said the airport has begun receiving low-cost flights after signing operating agreements with Jazeera Airways and Air Cairo.
The company has engaged more than 17 low-cost carriers to explore launching services to Amman City Airport. He said most carriers expressed interest after reviewing the airport’s services and its compliance with aviation security and safety requirements, he pointed out.
Azzam said the airport is currently dedicated to low-cost operations as an alternative to Queen Alia International Airport, as the JAC is overseeing operations.
He said Jazeera Airways is operating two daily flights between Kuwait and Amman, while Air Cairo is operating two weekly flights from Assiut Airport to Amman City Airport, with additional services expected to be scheduled with other carriers in the near term.
He said operational "momentum" is expected to increase after March as airlines finalize seasonal scheduling, noting that many carriers plan routes well in advance.
Azzam added that current passenger halls can handle two fully loaded flights at the same time, and that the airport is targeting 1 million passengers this year, rising to 2.5 million passengers after completing landside expansions.
He said total construction costs stood at around JD15 million, adding that departure and arrival halls have been fully equipped.
Azzam also noted a Cabinet decision to unify aircraft fees across Jordan’s airports, and a reduction in the departure tax from JD40 to JD10, added to the ticket price, which reflect the airport’s status as a secondary facility and aimed at supporting tourism.
He said the airport has short- and long-term development plans, including expanding facilities, terminal space, and logistics services.
He added that duty-free outlets in both departure and arrival halls are ready, and that travel procedures have become smoother. He said coordination is underway with the Greater Amman Municipality to improve access to the airport, including extending the bus rapid transit line.
Azzam said the airport operates on a point-to-point model, as options are being studied to launch future flights between Amman City Airport and Aqaba in cooperation with Royal Jordanian after introducing transit services.
In turn, Ministry Secretary General Zaid Nawaiseh said the JAC is working to position itself as a high-standard provider of aviation services and infrastructure in the region.
He said restarting Amman City Airport strengthens Jordan’s air-transport system, supports the economy, and aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision, as the forum also reviewed flight-operating figures, expansion projects, and future partnerships.
The ACA was previously known as Amman Civil Airport, and more commonly as Marka International Airport.
//Petra// AO
