Day: April 15, 2026

Amman: Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian operator of Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), announced that the airport has been ranked among the world’s top 100 airports, according to the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards. In a statement released Wednesday, AIG said that the ranking comes after Queen Alia Airport secured 97th place globally, a significant improvement from its 111th position in 2025, according to Skytrax.

According to Jordan News Agency, moving up the list reflects the ongoing efforts of AIG staff, bolstered by the support of its partners, to enhance the quality of airport services and operational efficiency, thereby improving the passenger experience, according to the statement. AIG stated that the advanced ranking demonstrates the airport’s growing global presence and reflects its continued growth trajectory as part of the highest international standards of excellence.

The achievement serves as an incentive to maintain its commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, preserving the highest levels of operational efficiency and continuously improving service quality, according to the statement. The airport stated that the ranking reflects its close collaboration with its parent company, A©roports de Paris (ADP), enabling it to benefit from ADP’s strategic guidance and support and to implement best practices across its global network of airports.

ADP Group CEO Nicolas Deville said that the ranking is a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the teams and all partners who work to provide a seamless and comfortable travel experience. He said that the group is committed to fulfilling its promise of making every passenger feel at home, adding that the ranking reflects the progress made in realising this promise, continuously developing airport services and maintaining the highest operational standards.

The inclusion of Queen Alia International Airport in the list of the world’s top 100 airports represents significant progress in key areas of passenger experience and service quality, driven by the ongoing collaboration between ADP, its partners and all stakeholders. The statement notes that the achievement would enhance Queen Alia International Airport’s position and its pivotal role as Jordan’s main air gateway, contributing to the Kingdom’s air connectivity, stimulating tourism growth and bolstering comprehensive economic development.

Queen Alia International Airport continues to solidify its position as one of the leading airports in the region, achieving remarkable performance in 2026. It secured fourth place in the Best Regional Airports in the Middle East category for 2026, sixth place in the Best Airport Staff in the Middle East category and eighth place in the Best Airports in the World category for 5-10 million passengers in 2026. This underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence and enhancing its standing as a leading aviation hub in the region, the statement reads.

The Skytrax Awards are based on global passenger surveys, giving the achievement particular significance as it directly reflects passenger opinions and experiences.

Amman: The Eastern Military Zone successfully thwarted six drug smuggling attempts in a special operation carried out early Wednesday along its border front. The attempts involved large quantities of narcotics carried by electronically guided balloons launched simultaneously in order to distract border guard units and evade surveillance.

According to Jordan News Agency, border guard forces, in coordination with military security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department, successfully neutralized all attempts at various locations. The balloons were intercepted and brought down after crossing into Jordanian territory, and the seized drugs were handed over to the competent authorities for legal proceedings.

The Jordan Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to utilizing all available capabilities and resources to prevent smuggling and infiltration operations.

Amman: The Eastern Military Zone successfully thwarted six drug smuggling attempts in a special operation carried out early Wednesday along its border front. The attempts involved large quantities of narcotics carried by electronically guided balloons launched simultaneously in order to distract border guard units and evade surveillance.

According to Jordan News Agency, border guard forces, in coordination with military security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department, successfully neutralized all attempts at various locations. The balloons were intercepted and brought down after crossing into Jordanian territory, and the seized drugs were handed over to the competent authorities for legal proceedings.

The Jordan Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to utilizing all available capabilities and resources to prevent smuggling and infiltration operations.

United arab emirates: Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei announced that the Aqaba Port Railway Project will play a crucial role in generating new job opportunities and initiating further development and investment projects in Jordan. The initiative is set to enhance infrastructure and support sustainable economic growth in the region.

According to Jordan News Agency, Al Mazrouei emphasized that the $2.3 billion railway project is pivotal for increasing trade through Jordan by capitalizing on its strategic geographical location. This move is expected to boost Jordan’s status as a regional transport and logistics hub, reinforcing its position as a central player in regional trade.

Al Mazrouei expressed the UAE’s confidence in its relationship with Jordan, suggesting that this partnership will spearhead new joint projects that benefit both nations. These projects aim to support development initiatives and positively influence the economies of the UAE and Jordan.

Officials noted that the project will improve the economic competitiveness of the Port of Aqaba, positioning it as a key regional gateway for transport, shipping, and logistics services. The railway is also anticipated to unlock significant development opportunities across the Kingdom, particularly in the southern governorates and the Jordan Valley.

Amman: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Huneiti, called on the Special Royal Guard Command on Wednesday, where he was welcomed by its commander. The visit included discussions on operational, training, and logistical aspects, as well as future plans to enhance efficiency and readiness.

According to Jordan News Agency, the army chief was accompanied by senior officers of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army. During the visit, Major General Huneiti reviewed the progress in development and modernization efforts, and acknowledged the advanced level and professionalism of the Royal Guard personnel in executing their various tasks and duties.