Amman: After years of closure, the Amman Civil Airport has reopened under the new name Amman City Airport (ACA), becoming a crucial hub for low-cost carriers. This development follows the acquisition of licensing from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission.
According to Jordan News Agency, Director General of the Jordan Airports Company, Ahmad Azzam, highlighted the significance of the reopening as a major driver for the Kingdom's tourism development. He emphasized that this marks a new beginning towards broader economic opportunities, aligning with the economic modernization vision through integration and partnership with Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA).
The return of commercial operations at the airport, originally established in 1950, aligns with the economic goals set forth by His Majesty King Abdullah II. Azzam noted that having two airports in the capital, Amman, enhances Jordan's international standing in the air transport sector. ACA will focus on accommodating low-cost carriers and short-haul flights from regional and European countries, with a capacity of about 200 passengers.
Azzam assured that ACA is well-prepared to receive flights, having met all safety and security standards and licensing requirements. The airport aims to maintain high expectations for airlines and passengers while adhering to aviation sustainability criteria. The Jordan Airports Company has reached out to 17 low-cost airlines, with many expressing interest after assessing the facilities, services, and safety measures.
The airport currently has the capacity to accommodate two fully loaded flights simultaneously and aims to handle one million passengers by 2026, with plans for 2.5 million passengers following expansions. ACA's appeal to low-cost airlines and passengers is attributed to its competitive operating costs, central location in Amman, and modernized services.
Azzam projected that the first flights would commence in the latter half of this month, with increased operations expected after March as airlines adjust their schedules. As a demonstration of readiness, a trial flight by Royal Jordanian Airlines has already taken place, and the airport has received aircraft diverted from QAIA due to weather conditions.
The Jordan Airports Company has signed its first commercial operating agreement for ACA with Jazeera Airways, following the airport's regulatory licensing. Jazeera Airways CEO, Barathan Pasupathi, expressed the importance of ACA due to its proximity to Amman city center and confirmed that the first commercial flight to ACA will be operated by Jazeera Airways.