Aqaba: The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has entered into a cooperation agreement with Royal Jordanian to initiate regular direct flights connecting Aqaba with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. This initiative is aimed at boosting air connectivity, promoting tourism, stimulating economic activity, and enhancing Aqaba's status as a regional destination.
According to Jordan News Agency, the agreement was formalized in the presence of ASEZA Chief Commissioner Shadi Majali, with Thabet Hassan Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs, signing for ASEZA, and Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer, representing Royal Jordanian. The agreement entails two weekly flights on each route via King Hussein International Airport, with the Abu Dhabi service commencing on September 18, followed by the Riyadh route on September 24. These routes are expected to improve access to significant tourism markets and support the influx of visitors.
Nabulsi emphasized that this agreement is part of ASEZA's broader strategy to expand Aqaba's air transport network, strengthening its connectivity with both regional and international markets. This development is crucial for advancing tourism growth and stimulating economic sectors related to tourism. He noted that the new routes would enhance the operational capacity at King Hussein International Airport and mentioned the ongoing Cairo-Aqaba route as part of the overall connectivity framework.
Nabulsi also highlighted ASEZA's plans to explore additional routes to European and Russian markets. This move aims to diversify source markets, increase visitor numbers, and support the sustainability of the tourism sector. He described the partnership with Royal Jordanian as a model of institutional integration that boosts Aqaba's competitiveness as a year-round tourism and investment hub.
Karim Makhlouf stated that launching these new routes aligns with efforts to rejuvenate Arab and international tourism to Jordan. He described it as a strategic initiative to bolster Aqaba's prominence as a premier destination in the Kingdom. Through Royal Jordanian's tourism platform, exploRJordan, the airline aims to appeal to new visitor segments, with this expansion representing the initial phase of a broader plan to establish Aqaba as a regional leisure hub.
Makhlouf further revealed plans to introduce more direct routes from key European markets in the near future. He described the partnership as the cornerstone of a sustainable strategy aimed at further developing tourism in Aqaba.