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Queen Alia International Airport

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Queen Alia International Airport
NameQueen Alia International Airport
IATAAMM
ICAOOJAI
OwnerGovernment of Jordan
OperatorAirport International Group
City-servedAmman
LocationZizya, Amman Governorate
Elevation-f2,395
Elevation-m730
Websitehttps://www.qaiairport.com/
R1-number08R/26L
R1-length-m3,660
R1-surfaceAsphalt
R2-number08L/26R
R2-length-m3,660
R2-surfaceAsphalt
Stat-year2023
Stat1-headerPassengers
Stat1-data8,920,000
Stat2-headerAircraft movements
Stat2-data80,000
Stat3-headerCargo (tonnes)
Stat3-data95,000

Queen Alia International Airport. It is the main international gateway to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and serves as the primary hub for the national carrier, Royal Jordanian Airlines. Located in the Zizya area approximately 20 miles south of downtown Amman, the airport is a major aviation center in the Levant region. Named after Queen Alia, the late wife of King Hussein, it is renowned for its modern, award-winning terminal designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners.

History

The original airport opened in 1983, replacing the older Amman Civil Airport to handle the growing air traffic of the capital. Its development was a key national project during the reign of King Hussein, intended to bolster Jordan's connectivity and economic stature. In 2007, the Government of Jordan awarded a 25-year Build-Operate-Transfer concession to the Airport International Group, a consortium including Kuwait's KIA and France's ADP. This led to the construction of a new, state-of-the-art terminal complex, which was inaugurated by King Abdullah II in March 2013. The new terminal significantly increased capacity and established the airport as a modern transit point competing with other regional hubs like Beirut and Damascus International Airport.

Facilities

The airport's striking terminal is designed to resemble a Bedouin tent, featuring a canopy of 127 concrete domes that provide natural cooling. The facility includes two parallel runways capable of handling the largest aircraft, including the Airbus A380. It houses extensive retail and dining options, multiple premium lounges such as the Royal Jordanian Crown Lounge, and dedicated facilities for royal and VIP flights. The terminal is also equipped with advanced baggage handling systems, a large duty-free area operated by Lagardère Travel Retail, and a direct connection to the on-site Le Royal Hotel. Cargo operations are managed through a dedicated facility that serves freight carriers like DHL Aviation and FedEx Express.

Airlines and destinations

The airport serves as the main hub for Royal Jordanian Airlines, which operates an extensive network to Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Other major carriers based here include the low-cost operator Jordan Aviation and the charter airline Arab Wings. It hosts a wide array of international airlines such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and EgyptAir, connecting Amman to major global cities like London, New York, and Bangkok. The airport is a significant transit point for pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina, served by airlines like Saudia and Flynas.

Statistics

In 2023, the airport handled approximately 8.92 million passengers, marking a strong recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic. It recorded around 80,000 aircraft movements and processed roughly 95,000 tonnes of air cargo. Prior to the pandemic, it consistently ranked among the busiest airports in the Arab world, with passenger numbers surpassing 8.5 million annually. The facility is a critical economic engine for the Amman Governorate, supporting thousands of jobs directly and through related sectors like tourism and logistics.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record with no major fatal accidents within its perimeter. A notable incident occurred in 2015 when a Royal Jordanian Airlines Airbus A319 experienced a tail strike upon landing, resulting in minor injuries but no fatalities. In 2018, a cargo aircraft operated by Astra Airlines overshot the runway during landing in poor weather, causing substantial damage to the aircraft but no casualties. These events are investigated by the Jordan Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, which implements stringent safety protocols aligned with ICAO standards.

Ground transportation

The airport is connected to Amman and other major cities via a network of highways, primarily the Desert Highway. The Amman Bus public transport system offers a direct line to the city center, while numerous taxi and limousine services are available. Car rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis, and Budget Rent a Car operate facilities on-site. Future plans, as part of Jordan's national transport strategy, include a proposed rail link connecting the airport to the Hejaz Railway network and the planned Amman Metro.

Category:Airports in Jordan Category:Buildings and structures in Amman Category:Airports established in 1983