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Marka International Airport

About the Airport

Marka International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Marka Airport (ADJ) is not merely a transport hub, but a true legend of Jordanian aviation, located just a few minutes' drive from the historical centre of Amman. Once serving as the kingdom's main aerial gateway, today it has transformed into a cosy haven for private jets, regional charters, and aviation schools, while retaining its unique charm. Thanks to its compact size and the absence of crowded queues, this airport is the choice for travellers and business people who value their time, privacy, and the ability to be in the city almost immediately after landing.

IATA Code ADJ
ICAO Code OJAM
City Amman
Distance to centre ~5 km
Status Civil / Military (charter and regional flights)
Annual Passengers ~10,500 (2023 data)

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main advantage of Marka Airport is its phenomenal proximity to the city. Located in the Marka district, it is just a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Amman, which saves a significant amount of transfer time compared to the main international airport. This makes it an ideal choice for short-term business visits or exclusive tours.

The airport specialises in serving private and business aviation, as well as VIP flights. An atmosphere of calm and exclusivity reigns here: registration and security procedures are lightning-fast, and staff pay maximum attention to every guest. Furthermore, the airport operates around the clock, ensuring flexibility for non-standard routes and urgent departures.

Contact Information

Below you will find contact information for Marka Airport (ADJ), also known as Amman Civil Airport. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, it is always recommended to check official sources.

  • Official Website: The airport is managed by the Jordan Airports Company (JAC). Current information can be found on their corporate website: www.jac.jo.
  • Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions, you can use the number: +962 6 489 1401. Please note that wait times may vary.
  • Airport Address: Al Matar St, Amman, Jordan.
  • Email: For written inquiries, you can use the official address of the management company: info@jac.jo.
  • Social Media: The airport does not have its own active social media pages. It is recommended to follow news on the official channels of the Jordan Airports Company.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative office. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: The main airport inquiry phone number is used for passenger support.

How to Get to the Airport

Marka Airport (Amman Civil Airport, ADJ) is located very close to the eastern part of the city of Amman, making the journey there quick and inexpensive. Unlike the country's main international airport, you can get here via several simple methods, depending on your budget and preferences.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the most popular and convenient way to get to Marka Airport. You can use official yellow taxis or mobile apps such as Uber or Careem, which are widely used in the capital of Jordan. A trip from the city centre will take about 15-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and will cost approximately 5-10 Jordanian Dinars (JOD). It is recommended to agree on the price with the yellow taxi driver in advance or ask them to turn on the meter to avoid misunderstandings. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and comfort.

Public Transport. For the most budget-conscious travellers, there are local buses that run in the airport area. However, this option can be difficult for tourists, as routes and schedules are not always obvious, and stops are not always clearly marked. The fare will be minimal, but be prepared for the journey to take longer and require certain navigation skills. Please note: there is no direct train or metro connection to Marka Airport.

Car Rental and Parking. If you have rented a car for travelling around the country, driving to Marka Airport will be easy. Navigation systems easily plot the route, and the roads are in good condition. The airport has parking where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. This option provides maximum flexibility, especially if you are flying early in the morning or late at night. However, driving within Amman itself can be stressful due to heavy traffic.

Terminals and Map

Marka Airport (ADJ), also known as Amman Civil Airport, is the second airport of the Jordanian capital and is significantly smaller in size and passenger traffic than the main Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Its infrastructure is simple and straightforward, making navigation very easy.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all flights. Historically, it was the country's main airport, but today it is used mainly for domestic flights, some regional routes, as well as for private and business aviation. Thanks to its compact size, getting lost here is practically impossible.

Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building a short distance from each other. The layout is extremely simple: after entering the terminal, you immediately reach the check-in counters, then proceed to the security checkpoint and enter a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone includes passport control (for international flights), baggage claim belts, and customs inspection, after which passengers exit into the general hall.

Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between terminals. All infrastructure is concentrated in one place, which is very convenient for passengers. Navigation is intuitive, and signs are duplicated in English.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Marka Airport usually takes significantly less time than at major airports. Due to the small number of flights, queues for check-in and security are minimal. As a rule, arriving at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure is more than sufficient. Nevertheless, it is always better to check your airline's recommendations.

Airport History

Marka Airport, officially known as Amman Civil Airport (ADJ), is the oldest airport in Jordan and the guardian of the country's rich aviation history. Its story began in 1934, when it was founded by the British Royal Air Force (RAF). Initially, it was a military airfield, but soon it began to perform civil functions as well, becoming the main aerial gateway of Amman and the entire kingdom.

For nearly half a century, from the 1930s to the early 1980s, Marka Airport was the epicentre of aviation life in Jordan. It received all international flights, welcomed heads of state, and was the base for the national carrier, Royal Jordanian Airlines. The airport witnessed key stages of the country's development, reflecting its growing role on the international stage. It was from here that the first steps of Jordanian civil aviation began, which eventually turned into a vital sector of the economy.

A turning point in the airport's history was 1983, when the new, more modern and larger Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) was opened. From that moment, the main flow of international passenger traffic was redirected there. Marka Airport was renamed Amman Civil Airport and began a new chapter in its history. It did not undergo massive expansions like its successor, but went through necessary modernisation to fulfil its new functions.

Today, Marka Airport plays an important role as a regional aviation hub. It serves domestic flights, short international routes to neighbouring countries, and is a centre for private and business aviation. Additionally, aviation training centres are located here, making it a key site for training the next generation of pilots and aviation specialists. Despite its respectable age, the airport continues to make a significant contribution to the life of Amman and all of Jordan, remaining a living monument to its aviation history.

Services and Amenities

Marka Airport (ADJ), being the capital's second airport, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Inside the terminal, you will find several cafés and snack bars where you can have coffee, grab a bite before departure, or buy light snacks for the journey. Small shops are also available, offering souvenirs, press, and essential items.

For passengers who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges may be available. Access conditions and the list of services should be clarified in advance with your airline. Free Wi-Fi is available for travellers throughout the terminal, and special stands and sockets are provided for charging gadgets, allowing you to always stay connected.

ATMs and currency exchange points are located in the terminal building, which is convenient for those who need to exchange money upon arrival or before departure. To ensure passenger safety, a medical point operates at the airport, where first aid can be obtained if necessary.

The airport takes care of passengers with children and people with disabilities. Mother and child rooms are equipped for families with small children. Travellers needing special assistance are provided with accompaniment and access to necessary amenities. It is recommended to inform the air carrier of your needs in advance.

Although there are no hotels within the airport grounds, many accommodation options are located in the nearby districts of Amman, which can be quickly reached by taxi. For business travellers, the airport offers basic amenities, but for holding negotiations or conferences, it is better to use business centres and conference halls in the hotels of the capital of Jordan.

Where to Eat

When planning a departure from Marka Airport (ADJ) in Amman, it is important to remember that this is the second, older, and more compact airport of the capital of Jordan. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and primarily oriented towards a quick snack before departure, rather than a full lunch or dinner.

The main food outlets are concentrated in the main terminal building, both in the public area (landside) and after passing security control (airside). These are mostly small cafés and kiosks offering a standard airport assortment: coffee, tea, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. Do not expect large restaurant chains or food courts here.

For a quick snack, a coffee with a fresh pastry or a ready-made sandwich is ideal. If you are looking for something more substantial, you can find hot snacks, such as filled pies, in some cafés. Although the selection of local cuisine is minimal, you can sometimes find traditional Jordanian sweets in the assortment, such as pastries with dates or nuts — this is a great opportunity to try something authentic before departure.

Regarding special dietary requirements, considering the status of Jordan, the majority of meat products will be Halal by default. Finding simple vegetarian options, like a cheese sandwich or salad, is quite possible. However, choices for vegans or passengers requiring gluten-free meals will likely be extremely limited. In this case, it is more reliable to bring food with you from the city.

Prices for food and drinks at Marka Airport correspond to the average level for airports — they are noticeably higher than in city establishments in Amman. Café opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, but not all of them may operate around the clock. The best strategy for a traveller departing from ADJ is to have a substantial meal in advance at one of the city's numerous restaurants before travelling to the airport.

Travel Tips

When planning a departure from Marka Airport (ADJ) in Amman, it is worth considering a few points to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Since this is the second, more compact airport of the capital of Jordan, focused mainly on regional and charter flights, processes here can be faster than in a major international hub. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2–2.5 hours before departure to calmly complete all formalities.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Upon arrival at the airport, have your passport and boarding pass ready. The security screening procedure is standard, but be prepared for several checks — this is common practice to ensure safety in the region. To speed up the process, remove all metal items from your pockets in advance, and take laptops and other large electronics out of your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to stand up freely. If a quick exit from the plane upon arrival is important to you, choose seats in the front part of the cabin.

Hand luggage rules comply with international standards. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent re-sealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin. Always keep all valuables, documents, money, and necessary medication with you in your hand luggage.

Passengers with a transfer at Marka Airport, although this is a rare occurrence, should find the information board immediately after arrival and check the boarding gate number for the next flight. Ask airline staff if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Customs control upon entering the country is standard: you must declare goods exceeding duty-free limits. It is better to familiarise yourself with current customs regulations on official websites in advance.

To save money, avoid exchanging currency at the airport, where the rate is usually less favourable — it is better to exchange a small amount for initial expenses. Food and drinks here, as in any airport, cost more, so you can bring an empty water bottle (to fill after security) and light snacks. For trips to or from the city, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid inflated prices.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and possible options (rebooking, provision of meals or a hotel). Check the terms of your travel insurance — it may cover such cases. Since the airport is small and the number of entertainment options is limited, it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and films or podcasts downloaded to your device in case of a long wait.

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