AMMAN — Airport International Group (AIG) CEO Nicolas Deviller says the long-standing partnership between the government and AIG continues to evolve into one of the region’s most successful public–private partnership models, positioning Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) as a key driver of national connectivity, economic growth and tourism

 

Speaking to The Jordan Times, Deviller said the build–operate–transfer agreement, first signed in 2007, has grown beyond its construction-focused origins into “a strategic partnership built on trust, alignment and shared goals”.

 

“The extension of the concession until 2039 is not just extra years on paper,” he said. “It is a reaffirmation of a partnership that works and continues to deliver meaningful results.”

 

The extension enables AIG to invest further in expanding QAIA’s capacity from 12 million to 18 million passengers, enhance terminal and airside infrastructure, attract new airlines and continue improving the passenger experience.

 

Earlier this year, AIG and the Ministry of Transport also signed a Joint Declaration reinforcing shared commitments to safety, efficiency and sustainability.

 

A major contributor to Jordan’s economy

 

Deviller underscored QAIA’s role as both a pillar of the aviation sector and a catalyst for wider economic activity

 

“What happens at the airport has a direct and indirect impact on tourism, trade, business travel, cultural exchange, job creation and overall productivity,” he said.

 

Since 2007, AIG’s total payments to the government of Jordan have reached $3 billion, including $1.8 billion in concession fees. “Despite regional unrest that caused a 4 per cent drop in passenger traffic in 2024, AIG paid JO121 million in concession fees that year alone.”

 

Traffic rebounded strongly in 2025, rising 9 per cent during the first ten months. The recovery, Deviller noted, strengthens AIG’s plans for major capacity expansion to accommodate future growth, particularly from tourism. “This investment will stimulate the economy and reinforce the positive impact we generate for the local community.”

 

He emphasised that AIG’s focus is not on short-term gain but on “long-term national benefit”, reinvesting revenues into upgrades, sustainability initiatives and service improvements.

 

QAIA has introduced several new services over the past year, including e-gates at immigration, autonomous cleaning robots and AI-driven tools for resource allocation and service optimisation, Deviller said.

 

He added that AIG has launched the QAIA Enhancement Programme, the airport’s most expansive development plan to date, comprising 15 major projects, eight terminal-based and seven airside, all designed to increase capacity, improve passenger flow, upgrade infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency.

 

Deviller noted that recent improvements include upgrades to the Arrivals Public Hall, customs and baggage claim areas, alongside the completion of the Arrival Baggage Handling System upgrade, which reduces wait times and boosts processing capacity. Security systems are also being modernised to meet future regulatory requirements, while the South Airfield Rehabilitation Project ensures full compliance with ICAO and CARC standards.

 

“These efforts reflect our core values of hospitality and responsibility, creating a seamless and human-centred experience that makes every passenger feel at home,” Deviller said, emphasising that QAIA’s performance is also strengthened by AIG’s partnership with Groupe ADP, which provides global expertise and access to airline networks.

 

QAIA continues to lead regional rankings, holding first place for eight consecutive years in ACI’s Airport Service Quality Survey for ‘Best Airport by Size and Region: Middle East’ in the 5–15 million passenger category. It has also earned multiple awards for service excellence and maintains a 4-Star Airport Rating from Skytrax.

 

The airport recently renewed its Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation until 2028. “At the heart of our success is the QAIA community, employees, authorities, partners and airlines, whose professionalism and hospitality define the passenger journey.”

 

Despite regional tensions that caused a 4.4 per cent drop in traffic in 2024, Deviller said passenger numbers rebounded strongly in 2025, with August recording 1.08 million travellers, the airport’s busiest month on record.

 

AIG, he added, responded by diversifying revenues, improving cost efficiency and sustaining investment. He thanked the QAIA community for its “exceptional dedication” during challenging periods.

 

Amman City Airport reopening

 

Commenting on the forthcoming reopening of Amman City Airport, Deviller described it as a complementary development that supports national connectivity. “Each airport has its own role,” he said, noting QAIA will remain Jordan’s main international gateway, handling long-haul travel, tourism flows and Royal Jordanian’s growth.

 

Sustainability and digital transformation

 

QAIA is the first airport in the Middle East to achieve Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation. Its solar farm generates 10.5 GWh of clean energy annually, covering 37 per cent of AIG’s operational needs and eliminating 12,000 tonnes of CO₂.

 

Digital transformation efforts include self-check-in and bag-drop systems, nine biometric e-gates, upgraded digital screens, cleaning robots and a mobile app offering real-time updates.

 

“Our goal is to integrate smart solutions at every touchpoint while preserving Jordanian hospitality,” Deviller said. “Innovation must always serve people first.”