King Hussein International Airport AQJ

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is the airport of Aqaba, Jordan’s Red Sea city, and the only civilian airport in Jordan apart from the two in Amman. It handled around 309,000 passengers in 2023. Its location is unusual: within about 24 km there are three other countries, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel. It is used mainly by tourists heading for Aqaba’s resorts and diving, or using it as a gateway to Wadi Rum and Petra, and by travellers who want to avoid the road journey from Amman.

Terminals

There is a single passenger terminal, with arrivals and departures in the same building, so there are no transfers between buildings. The runway is long, at around 3,000 m.

Airlines and destinations

The offer is modest. Royal Jordanian is the reference airline, joined by other carriers with flights to destinations in the Middle East and, in season, charter flights from Eastern Europe. Routes change with the seasons, so confirm your flight before booking accommodation.

Services

It is a small terminal, with shops and places to eat. Don’t expect the variety of a large airport. Bring some cash in Jordanian dinars in case you need it as soon as you land.

Tips

The climate helps: the airport rarely closes because of bad weather, although strong southerly winds can bring sandstorms from Egypt and cause occasional delays. If your flight is the last of the day, don’t count on alternatives the same day. If you are continuing to Wadi Rum or Petra, arrange your transfer in advance.