AMMAN — The second phase of the expansion of Amman City Airport is expected to double its annual capacity from one million to two million passengers by early next summer, Jordan Airports Company (JAC) CEO Ahmad Azzam said on Thursday.

 

Speaking to Al Mamlaka TV, Azzam said that the development works will cover both airside and landside operations, including increasing aircraft stands to accommodate more planes simultaneously and expanding parking areas and the arrivals hall to enhance the airport’s passenger-handling capacity.

 

He said specifications for several expansion projects have been completed, with procedures currently being finalised.

 

Azzam added that a subsequent phase will include further improvements once the airport reaches a capacity of two million passengers annually.

 

He stressed the airport’s important role in supporting Jordan’s civil aviation sector, describing it as a relief hub for the capital’s main airport.

 

Since resuming operations, the company has engaged with nearly 17 local and regional airlines, many of which have expressed interest in operating routes from Amman City Airport, Azzam said.

 

He also noted that efforts to attract airlines are being carried out gradually to maintain efficient procedures and high service standards.

 

Some requests have been temporarily deferred to prevent overcrowding and ensure service quality, Azzam said, stressing that demand for operating flights from the airport is steadily increasing.

 

The airport currently handles between 12 and 14 flights a day, exceeding initial projections, while retaining capacity for additional movements, particularly during off-peak night hours, he said.

 

Azzam said that the airport is equipped to handle narrow-body aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft carrying up to 200 passengers, making it suitable for short-haul routes to destinations across the region, the Arab world and Europe.

 

European low-cost carriers had previously expressed interest in operating flights to European destinations from the airport, but recent regional developments prompted them to put their plans on hold, Azzam said, expressing hope that they would resume their plans and return to the Kingdom soon.

 

The airport has handled nearly 200,000 passengers since flight operations resumed earlier this year, through 1,650 commercial flights operated by eight airlines and connecting Jordan with 15 regional and international destinations, he said.

 

The passenger terminals can currently accommodate two fully loaded flights simultaneously. The reduction of the departure tax from JD40 to JD10 has also provided significant support for flight operations at the airport, Azzam added.