Aqaba:The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ), and the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) have signed an agreement to initiate a direct air route between Moscow and Aqaba. The new route will commence on December 20, with the airline operating two weekly flights.
According to Jordan News Agency, this agreement is part of a broader initiative to enhance air connectivity, stimulate tourism, and expand Aqaba's presence in international markets, especially in Russia. ASEZA Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Thabet Nabulsi emphasized the potential of the Russian market, highlighting Aqaba's coastal attractions and its proximity to landmarks like Petra and Wadi Rum.
RJ's Chief Commercial Officer Karim Makhlouf noted that the Moscow route is Aqaba's first long-haul international connection and RJ's fourth direct destination from the city, alongside Cairo, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi. He stated that this route is seen as the start of ongoing efforts to draw more tourists to both Aqaba and Jordan, positioning Aqaba as an ideal starting point for exploring the country's tourist offerings.
The agreement aims to develop Aqaba's air transport ecosystem and expand its international travel network. This initiative is expected to enhance Aqaba's tourism and investment appeal, improve regional and international competitiveness, and facilitate visitor access with direct travel options from key markets.
The new route is anticipated to boost tourist activity, showcasing Aqaba's beaches, marine tourism, and other attractions while fostering comprehensive tourism programs that include Jordan's top sites. Additionally, it is expected to positively impact the tourism economy, supporting job creation, stimulating the private sector, and increasing tourism spending and overnight stays. The tripartite partnership aims to sustain the route's operation and maximize its economic and tourism impact.
ASEZA, in collaboration with public and private partners, continues to diversify tourism markets, develop tourism products, and enhance Aqaba's international presence, solidifying its role as a tourist and economic gateway for Jordan.