Ireland's Ryanair announced on Wednesday that it is resuming full operations to Jordan from October 27, with flights to the capital, Amman, from 18 locations in Europe.
The move will connect Queen Alia International Airport to 12 countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Spain and Belgium.
The low-cost airline said the “record winter season” would deliver more than 300,000 seats, with 84 weekly flights to Amman.
“Ryanair's investment will ensure that Jordan remains a key tourist destination this winter, delivering enhanced connectivity, increased tourism and economic growth,” said Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson.
The move, in partnership with Jordan Tourism Board, aims to bring more international tourists to the country, especially from Europe. Only about 15 per cent of tourism in Jordan is currently international, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Emad Hijazeen said at a press conference to announce the resumption of flights.
Ryanair launched routes to Jordan in 2018, but they were paused in late 2023 as conflict broke out across the region. The airline resumed weekly flights to Amman from Milan in Italy and Paphos in Cyprus in September.
“Just announcing Ryanair coming back with full force is a clear message to the world. And this will change the perception of safety in the region. We know that we are the calm house between noisy neighbours,” Jordan Tourism Board's managing director Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat told The National.
Mr Wilson said: “It's great to be back in Jordan. Our relationship runs deep, and we're back for the biggest ever winter season.”
Speaking about Ryanair's dedication to the route if there is more unrest, he said: “If the airspace is closed, then you can't operate. Once you have that, it's very hard to sell tickets. We have to abide by international standards on entering airspace.”
But he is confident the airline's move will have a “snowball” effect as more people experience Jordan first hand.
“People don’t know how nice the weather is, how nice the people are, how great the food is and how easy it is to get to Petra,” Mr Wilson said. “We understand Jordan, but we know tourists are not as aware. But we're ready.”
