QAIA announces rise in passenger numbers in July

AMMAN — Over 820,000 passengers arrived at the Queen Alia International Airport in July, a 9.7 per cent increase from July 2015, the Airport International Group (AIG) announced on Wednesday. 

Tourism in July was boosted by Eid Al Fitr, the four-day holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, as well as the start of the busy summer travel season, said AIG, which is responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of the airport.

“We’re excited to be recording such a positive traffic performance for the month of July, which was enhanced by the Eid Al Fitr vacation at the beginning of the month, as well as leisure and expat travels during the high summer season,” said AIG CEO Kjeld Binger. 

Aircraft movement was also up in July, by 5.4 per cent compared with July 2015, although cargo figures were down by 5 per cent, the AIG said in a statement.

QAIA handled 7,438 tonnes of cargo in July, down from 7,833 tonnes in July 2015. 

The airport has welcomed 4,246,086 passengers so far this year, a 6.2 per cent rise on the same period of last year. 

“Our outlook for the next period remains positive in light of several new and exciting changes taking place, most notably the joining of new airlines to the QAIA’s network as well as the upcoming inauguration of the second phase of the airport’s new terminal project,” said Binger.