Amman's Marka Airport Set to Reopen Within Days, Boosting Jordan Tourism

Amman, Jordan – November 24, 2025 — In a major development for Jordan’s tourism sector, Amman Civil Airport at Marka is set to reopen within days after years of closure, pending final regulatory approvals expected by the end of November 2025.

Ahmad Azzam, Director General of Jordan Airports Company, confirmed that only a few regulatory approvals remain before the airport can resume operations, marking a significant milestone in Jordan’s efforts to expand tourism infrastructure and improve accessibility.

A Second Gateway to Jordan

The reopening of Marka Airport will position it as a secondary hub alongside Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), offering travelers an additional gateway to Jordan’s capital and addressing growing congestion at the country’s main international airport.

Located closer to central Amman than Queen Alia, Marka Airport is expected to provide a more convenient and cost-effective option for both regional and international travelers. The airport’s reopening comes at a crucial time as Jordan works toward its ambitious goal of attracting 30 million tourists annually by 2030.

Economic and Tourism Impact

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan emphasized the strategic importance of the airport’s reopening, stating that it will play a critical role in boosting Jordan’s economic recovery and enhancing the country’s standing as a premier tourism destination in the Middle East.

“The reopening of Marka Airport represents our commitment to making Jordan more accessible and affordable for travelers from around the world,” said PM Hassan. “This infrastructure investment will not only ease congestion but also encourage more visitors to choose Jordan and extend their stays.”

The move is expected to:

  • Increase flight capacity to Jordan, removing bottlenecks that have limited growth
  • Attract low-cost carriers seeking more affordable airport alternatives
  • Reduce travel costs for budget-conscious travelers
  • Improve accessibility to Amman’s city center
  • Support regional connectivity with neighboring countries
  • Create employment opportunities in aviation and tourism sectors

Part of Broader Tourism Strategy

The airport reopening aligns with Jordan’s comprehensive tourism development strategy, which has already shown impressive results in 2025. In the first nine months of the year, Jordan’s tourism sector generated nearly $6 billion in revenue, representing a 6.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Recent government initiatives, including the expansion of low-cost carrier routes and the “Urdunna Jannah” (Our Jordan is Paradise) domestic tourism campaign, have contributed to record-breaking visitor numbers. In October 2025 alone, Jordan welcomed 540,000 visitors with tourism revenues reaching $600.8 million.

Enhanced Connectivity

The reopening of Marka Airport comes on the heels of significant aviation developments in Jordan, including:

  • Ryanair’s expansion with 84 weekly flights from Amman this winter season
  • Wizz Air’s resumed operations between Budapest and Jordan
  • Charter flight returns to Aqaba’s King Hussein International Airport
  • Increased European connectivity with over 351,000 overnight European travelers in the first half of 2025

Industry experts predict that Marka’s reopening will further accelerate these positive trends, particularly by attracting additional low-cost carriers and charter operations that prefer the airport’s lower operating costs.

What Travelers Can Expect

While specific details about airlines and routes will be announced following the official reopening, travelers can expect:

  • Competitive pricing compared to Queen Alia International Airport
  • Convenient location closer to Amman’s downtown and northern regions
  • Reduced transit times to popular destinations like Jerash, Ajloun, and the Dead Sea
  • Modern facilities following infrastructure upgrades
  • Streamlined operations focused on efficiency

The airport is expected to initially focus on regional flights and low-cost carrier operations, with potential for expansion to international routes as demand grows.

Regional Competitiveness

Jordan’s dual-airport strategy for Amman positions the country competitively within the regional tourism market. Neighboring destinations have long benefited from multiple airport options, and Jordan’s move to reactivate Marka demonstrates a commitment to matching and exceeding regional standards for accessibility.

Tourism Minister Imad Hijazeen has consistently emphasized that accessibility is key to unlocking Jordan’s “untapped potential” in adventure tourism, eco-tourism, medical tourism, and faith-based travel—all sectors that benefit from increased flight options and competitive pricing.

Looking Ahead

The reopening of Marka Airport represents more than just additional runway capacity—it signals Jordan’s determination to remove barriers to tourism growth and establish itself as one of the Middle East’s most accessible and welcoming destinations.

As Jordan continues to invest in infrastructure, market its diverse offerings, and streamline visitor experiences, the country is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious tourism targets while maintaining the authentic, hospitable character that has made it a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.

Official announcements regarding specific airline partnerships, flight schedules, and the exact reopening date are expected in the coming days.

Photo by Grupo Norvia