Aqaba: The first charter flight of the 2025 winter season from the Bulgarian capital Sofia landed at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba on Monday. The flight, carrying 137 tourists, was organized by the Bulgarian ABAX tour operator and agents Travco Jordan as part of a charter flight program for the winter tourism season in Aqaba.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Imad Hijazeen, stated that the flight marks a significant step toward enhancing confidence in the Jordanian tourism product. It also signals growing European interest in Aqaba as a unique tourist destination. Hijazeen emphasized that his ministry is collaborating with the Jordan Tourism Board and the private sector to attract more charter flights and develop comprehensive tourism programs to strengthen Jordan's position on the global tourism map.
Thabet Alnabulsi, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Commissioner for Youth and Tourism, highlighted the importance of resuming charter flights to King Hussein International Airport. He noted that this initiative is crucial for revitalizing tourism to the Red Sea city during the winter season. Alnabulsi attributed this success to the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism, ASEZA, and the Jordan Tourism Board to elevate Aqaba's standing on the global tourism map.
Alnabulsi added that such flights would directly boost hotel occupancy rates and stimulate various economic sectors in the city. He pointed out that Aqaba has the potential to become a preferred destination for visitors worldwide and expressed ASEZA's commitment to expanding air connectivity and increasing both scheduled and charter flights to the city.
Deputy Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, Wael Al-Rousan, commented on the significance of charter flights in attracting tourists to the Kingdom, particularly from European countries, which are key target markets for Jordanian tourism.