Airport International Group Reports Positive Traffic Figures in January

Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian consortium responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion, and operation of the Queen Alia International Airport, reported positive passenger traffic figures and aircraft movements in 2011, despite regional political unrest. Last year the airport handled over 5,467,000 passengers, a 0.8% increase from 2010. Aircraft movement also experienced growth by 0.9% with more than 63,000 movements. 

In January 2012, the number of travelers coming through Jordan’s premier airport exceeded 463,000 passengers, marking a 19.08% increase from January 2011. Aircraft movements (ACM) reached over 5,000 movements for January, representing a 2.7% increase from the same time in 2011. The only area that experienced a decline was in cargo traffic, which decreased 1.6% from January 2011 levels to almost 7,000 tonnes for the month. The rising passengers and ACM figures indicate that the airport is already capitalizing on the resumption of regularly scheduled routes to Libya and Egypt.

In a move meant to continue January’s high passenger traffic and aircraft movement growth, AIG and the Jordanian Ministry of Transportation have announced that the planned adjustments in charges for airline carriers - based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) - will be delayed until May 2012. The decision was based on the recognition that the airline industry has faced serious challenges due to the state of the global economy and the political unrest in the region.  

Along with facilitating good relations with airline carriers, AIG is looking to boost airport growth with the completion of a massive new terminal by the end of 2012. The terminal, now estimated to be 80% complete, is visibly taking shape. The terminal’s iconic domed roof – inspired by Bedouin tents and designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster – has been completed, marking a key milestone for the project. Internal construction is also proceeding at a rapid pace. Key operational equipment has been delivered and is being assembled, such as passenger boarding bridges, elevators, and escalators.

AIG is financing an estimated US$750 million new terminal and has additionally invested approximately US$100 million on improving existing facilities at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). Since AIG took over responsibility for the operation and development of the airport in 2007, passenger traffic has increased 40% in this period to reach nearly 5.5 million travellers in 2011. Flights to and from Amman have increased by over 40% in the same period. The number of flights stood at 650 flights per week in summer of 2011.