AMMAN — King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba on Friday received the first regular direct flight from Abu Dhabi, operated by Royal Jordanian (RJ), marking the launch of a new route between the two cities with two flights per week.

 

Thabit Nabulsi, commissioner for tourism and youth at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), said the inaugural flight marks an important step in cooperation between ASEZA and RJ.

 

He noted that the launch of direct routes with Abu Dhabi and Riyadh expands Aqaba’s air connectivity with Gulf markets, according to an ASEZA statement.

 

Nabulsi said that the regular flights provide flexible travel options for visitors, including short weekend trips, and enable Aqaba to reach a wider range of visitors.

 

He added that the new routes also enhance Aqaba’s ability to offer an integrated tourism experience combining the coastal city with the Golden Triangle of Wadi Rum and Petra.

 

The arrival of the Abu Dhabi flight follows the airport’s reception of its first regular flight from Riyadh on Thursday, marking the operational launch of the new routes following a promotional tour by ASEZA and RJ in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

 

Under the schedule, direct flights between Aqaba and Abu Dhabi and Riyadh will operate twice weekly for each destination.

 

The schedule also includes the launch of a direct route between Aqaba and Moscow on October 25, with two flights per week, and an increase in Cairo-Aqaba flights to three per week.