AMMAN — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has signed a cooperation agreement with Royal Jordanian (RJ) to launch direct, regular international flights linking Aqaba with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, in a step aimed at enhancing air connectivity and boosting tourism and economic activity. 

 

ASEZA Tourism and Youth Commissioner Thabet Nabulsi and RJ Chief Commercial Officer Karim Makhlouf signed the agreement in the presence of ASEZA Chief Commissioner Shadi Majali.

 

Under the deal, two weekly direct flights will operate to each destination via King Hussein International Airport, according to an ASEZA statement.

 

The Aqaba-Abu Dhabi route is set to launch on September 18, followed by the Aqaba-Riyadh route on September 24.

 

Nabulsi noted that the agreement falls among efforts to develop Aqaba’s air transport system and expand links with regional and international markets, supporting the tourism sector and economic movement in the coastal city.

 

He added that the Cairo-Aqaba route continues to operate with two weekly flights, pointing out that ASEZA is considering the launch of new routes to European markets and Russia to diversify tourism sources and reduce seasonality.

 

Makhlouf said that the new routes align with plans to stimulate Arab and international tourism, adding that Royal Jordanian, through its tourism platform “Explore Jordan”, seeks to attract new visitor segments to Aqaba as part of broader efforts to boost its position as a regional tourist destination.