AMMAN — Aqaba’s port system, and the transport and logistics sector delivered a "strong" performance in the first quarter of 2026, driven by increased cargo throughput, particularly in the energy sector, alongside growth in land transport and improved passenger traffic, according to the first quarter cargo and passenger movement report.

 

The report, reviewed by Al Mamlaka TV, cited that total containers throughput rose by 10 per cent to 239,421 TEUs, compared with 217,807 TEUs in the same period of 2025.

 

The New Aqaba Port recorded a 21 per cent increase in cargo handling, reaching 1.29 million tonnes, up from 1.06 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2025.

 

The growth was "largely" driven by a 41 per cent surge in grain imports, which reached 850,292 tonnes, in addition to a 37 per cent increase in general cargo to 104,864 tonnes.

 

In the energy sector, throughput at the oil jetty rose by 69 per cent to 1.14 million tonnes, compared with 676,708 tonnes, due to higher demand for petroleum derivatives.

 

Liquid bulk cargo also increased by 20 per cent, reaching 1.98 million tonnes, up from 1.64 million tonnes.

 

In contrast, some indicators declined, with phosphate handling dropping by 13 per cent to 1.22 million tonnes.

 

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) throughput also fell by 18 per cent to 273,524 tonnes.

 

On the land transport side, the number of trucks increased by 10 per cent to around 259,000, underscoring Aqaba’s growing role as a regional logistics hub and its connectivity with neighbouring markets.

 

Passenger traffic also posted notable growth, with the total number of passengers passing through ports and the airport rising by 31 per cent to 140,947.

 

Passenger numbers at King Hussein International Airport increased by 59 per cent to 49,442.

 

However, air cargo declined by 10 per cent to 80,821 tonnes, compared with 89,591 tonnes in the same period last year.

 

The number of vessels also decreased by 7 per cent to 642, down from 692 ships.

 

The Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) said the first-quarter performance reflects the ports’ ability to adapt to shifts in global and regional trade flows while maintaining balanced operational efficiency across facilities.

 

It added that Aqaba recorded growth across several operational sectors, particularly in container and liquid cargo movement, alongside improved passenger traffic.

 

The corporation also highlighted the port’s role in supporting food security, as grain handling saw significant growth driven by increased import demand and the need to sustain strategic reserves amid current global conditions.

 

The corporation noted that Aqaba continues to strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub by boosting transit activity and diversifying traded goods, supported by a partnership model in port management and operations that has enhanced efficiency and improved service quality, Al Mamlaka TV reported.