Middle East

Jordan resumes domestic flights

jordan tourism

The King Hussein International Airport has resumed domestic flights between Aqaba and Amman after flights were shut down due to travel restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

General Manager of Aqaba Airports Company (AAC) Nasser Majali told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the airport’s preparedness was “completely in accordance with the requirements and approvals of the Jordan Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission”.

He said that arrangements have been made for the arrival and departure of domestic flights operated by local airlines, including Royal Jordanian, Jordan Aviation and Fly Jordan, stressing that the airport will “stringently adhere” to health measures during the process.

The tourism ministry earlier announced multiple initiatives aimed at boosting domestic tourism, including the $1.4 million Urdun Jannah program that supports Jordanian airlines in their daily flights between Amman and Aqaba.

The country’s tourism minister Majd Shwikeh said the support will be offered to tourism service providers who are participating in the programme at a cost of $1.7 million, in addition to hotel and camp services in Petra.

Jordan, an Arab nation on the east bank of the Jordan River, is defined by ancient monuments, nature reserves and seaside resorts. It’s home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C. Set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, Petra earns its nickname, the “Rose City.”