AMMAN — Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline, on Wednesday announced the launch of its most extensive winter flight programme to Jordan, offering more than 300,000 seats across 18 routes connecting the Kingdom with 12 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

 

The airline’s expansion underscores both the growing demand for air travel between Europe and Jordan and the country’s strategic importance as a regional hub for tourism, according to the company.

 

During a joint press conference, the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) and Ryanair said that the airline’s new winter schedule forms part of a wider investment proposal aimed at strengthening Jordan’s air connectivity through Amman, Aqaba and Marka Airport, while promoting the Kingdom as a key destination for European travellers.

 

Ryanair described its partnership with Jordan as a successful cooperation based on trust, flexibility, and a shared vision for developing the tourism sector.

 

The swift return to full operations at Queen Alia International Airport, Ryanair noted, was made possible by the airport’s effective management and the Jordanian government’s business-friendly policies.

 

These measures, the airline said, have reinforced Jordan’s standing as one of the Middle East’s most attractive destinations and facilitated a rapid recovery in air travel following global disruptions.

 

Ryanair also said that “its competitive pricing model encourages tourists to spend more on local hotels, restaurants and services, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity throughout the tourism value chain.”

 

The airline’s strategy reflects a broader approach to economic development, recognising the role of low-cost carriers not only in passenger growth but also in promoting national economic benefits.

 

As part of its long-term investment plan, Ryanair intends to increase annual seat capacity in Jordan by 360 per cent, reaching three million seats.

 

The airline also plans to introduce up to 50 direct routes between European cities and Jordan, while also launching new flights from Marka Airport in Amman and maintaining year-round services to Aqaba.

 

These measures are expected to position Jordan as a central hub within Ryanair’s regional network and to strengthen connections with key European markets, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times, the statement said.

 

Ryanair Chief Executive Officer Eddie Wilson reiterated “the airline’s commitment to the Jordanian market, announcing the full resumption of flights from October” as part of what he described as the largest winter programme ever offered to Amman.

 

“The schedule includes 84 weekly flights across 18 destinations, enhancing Jordan’s position as a winter tourism destination and supporting the Kingdom’s broader economic objectives,” Wilson added.

 

The airline’s expansion reflects a strategic approach to the Jordanian market that combines commercial growth with socio-economic impact.

 

According to the minister of tourism, “the influx of tourists arriving via Ryanair also brings attention to locations that are traditionally considered secondary destinations.” He highlighted that such programmes enhance the sustainability of the tourism sector.

 

Ryanair’s expansion, combined with its competitive fare structure, is expected to encourage European travellers to spend more within the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport services and cultural attractions, according to the statement.

 

The airline’s winter programme and investment proposal exemplify the broader potential of aviation to transform regional connectivity and economic opportunities, highlighting Jordan as a rising hub for travel and tourism in the Middle East, the statement further added.

 

Director General of JTB, Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, underscored “Ryanair’s pivotal role in positioning Jordan as a competitive and easily accessible destination for European tourists.”

 

He noted that “the partnership has produced concrete outcomes, drawing over one million visitors from Europe, broadening tourism source markets, and setting record-breaking results across several seasons.”

 

Arabiyat also emphasised “the value of the joint marketing initiatives, describing them as a key driver in enhancing Jordan’s visibility on the global tourism map.”