Jazeera Airways to Become First Commercial Carrier at Amman Marka Airport

In a landmark development for Jordan’s aviation sector, Jazeera Airways has officially announced the launch of scheduled passenger services from Amman Marka International Airport (AMM), also known as Queen Alia International Airport. This move makes the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier (LCC) the first airline to operate scheduled commercial flights from the facility since it transitioned to a general aviation and military hub in 1983.

The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 29, 2025, between Barathan Pasupathi, CEO of Jazeera Airways, and Ahmed Azzam, CEO of the Jordan Airport Company (JAC). The agreement comes on the heels of the airport’s successful recertification for passenger operations by the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) earlier this month.

Revitalising Amman City Airport

The launch of these services is part of a broader strategic effort to decongest Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and provide travellers with a more accessible, city-center alternative. Marka Airport, located just a few kilometers from downtown Amman, is expected to significantly reduce travel time for passengers residing in the capital.

"We are proud to be the pioneers in returning scheduled commercial aviation to Amman City Airport," said Barathan Pasupathi. "This new route will complement our existing twice-daily services to Queen Alia International, offering our passengers unparalleled flexibility and convenience at competitive price points."

Flight Details and Operations

Starting in January 2026, Jazeera Airways will operate a daily nonstop service between Amman Marka (ADJ) and Kuwait International Airport (KWI). The route will be serviced by the airline’s modern fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

The move is expected to trigger a surge in regional tourism and business travel, with other LCCs like Air Cairo and Wizz Air reportedly in talks to secure slots at the revitalised terminal.

New Amman Marka (ADJ) Air Operations

The following table outlines the scheduled service details for the new route. Note: Specific flight numbers and exact timestamps are subject to final technical clearance in early January 2026.

Note: Flight numbers J9 261/262 are projected for the new Marka service to distinguish from existing Queen Alia (AMM) operations. Passengers are advised to verify final timings on the Jazeera Airways website upon the official January 2026 launch.

One Million Passengers in 2026

The reactivation of Marka Airport for commercial use is a centerpiece of Jordan’s "National Tourism Strategy," aimed at increasing the kingdom's annual passenger capacity. With a terminal capacity of approximately 1 million passengers per year, Marka is positioned to become a specialised hub for low-cost and regional carriers, further integrating the Levant with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. Discussions are reportedly underway with Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Air Cairo to move or add frequencies to the city-center hub as their current commitments at Queen Alia conclude later in 2026.