A major step toward strengthening tourism and economic growth has been announced in Aqaba, as the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) signed a strategic agreement with Royal Jordanian to launch new direct international flights connecting Aqaba with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
This move is designed to enhance air accessibility, boost tourism demand, and position Aqaba as a leading regional destination for both leisure and investment.
New Direct Flights to Aqaba: Schedule and Launch Dates
Under the agreement, Royal Jordanian will operate regular direct flights twice weekly between Aqaba and each of the two Gulf destinations via King Hussein International Airport.
The new routes are scheduled to begin as follows:
- Abu Dhabi – Aqaba route: starting September 18, 2026
- Riyadh – Aqaba route: starting September 24, 2026
These routes are expected to significantly improve access to Aqaba from key Gulf markets, increasing tourist arrivals and supporting the city’s growing hospitality sector.
Strengthening Tourism Growth and Regional Connectivity
According to Dr. Thabet Hassan Al-Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth at ASEZA, the agreement reflects ongoing efforts to develop Aqaba’s air transport network and expand connectivity with regional and international markets.
He emphasized that launching these direct routes marks a new phase in Aqaba’s aviation development, improving travel efficiency and supporting the broader tourism economy. This includes positive impacts on hotels, transportation services, and local businesses tied to tourism.
Al-Nabulsi also noted that the existing Cairo – Aqaba route continues to operate twice weekly, playing a key role in strengthening regional tourism links and reinforcing Aqaba’s position on the international travel map.
Plans to Expand into European and Russian Markets
ASEZA is actively studying the launch of additional direct routes from Europe and Russia, aiming to diversify tourism source markets and reduce seasonality. This strategy is expected to ensure year-round tourism sustainability and increase visitor numbers across different seasons.
The partnership with Royal Jordanian is seen as a model of effective collaboration between national institutions, enhancing Aqaba’s competitiveness as both a tourism and investment destination.
Royal Jordanian’s Strategy: Boosting Demand Through New Routes
From the airline’s perspective, Mr. Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Jordanian, highlighted that these new routes align with the airline’s strategy to stimulate both Arab and international tourism to Jordan.
He explained that connecting Aqaba with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi is a strategic move to strengthen the city’s position as a key tourism hub within the Kingdom.
exploRJordan Platform to Attract New Travel Segments
A key part of this expansion is the launch of the new tourism platform exploRJordan, which aims to attract new traveler segments and promote Aqaba as a diverse destination.
Through this platform, Royal Jordanian plans to:
- Target new international audiences
- Develop tailored travel experiences
- Increase awareness of Aqaba’s tourism offerings
This initiative represents the first phase of a broader expansion plan to position Aqaba as a leading leisure destination in the region.
Aqaba’s Vision: Becoming a Year-Round Tourism Hub
The collaboration between ASEZA and Royal Jordanian reflects a long-term vision to transform Aqaba into a globally competitive destination. By improving air connectivity, diversifying markets, and leveraging digital platforms, the city is moving toward sustainable tourism growth.
Future plans to introduce more direct flights from major European cities will further strengthen Aqaba’s global accessibility and reinforce its role in the regional tourism landscape.
