Queen Alia International Airport

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is not merely the main air gateway to Jordan, but a true architectural masterpiece. Opened in 1983, it was named in honour of Queen Alia Al Hussein, who tragically passed away in 1977. The modern terminal, designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster, impresses with its roof comprising 127 domes, which symbolize Bedouin tents and create a unique interplay of light and shadow. This airport serves as a vital transport hub connecting Jordan with dozens of cities worldwide, offering travellers their first introduction to the country's hospitality.

Beyond its impressive architecture, Queen Alia Airport is renowned for its high level of service and modern amenities. In 2014, it was voted the Best Airport in the Middle East for passenger satisfaction, a testament to its commitment to excellence. Travellers have access to numerous shops, including a spacious Duty Free area, a variety of restaurants and cafes, comfortable lounges, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the premises. For passenger convenience, banking branches, currency exchange bureaus, car rental services, and a 24-hour medical centre are available.

• Official website: www.qaiairport.com
• Information desk phone: +962 6 500 2777
• Address: Desert Highway, Amman, Jordan
• Email for general inquiries: callcenter@aig.aero
• Social media:
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• Lost & Found:
  • If you have lost personal items within the airport premises, please contact the Lost & Found service via email: lost.found@aig.aero.
  • In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, you must contact your airline representative at the airport immediately.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For any assistance or information, you can use the 24-hour call centre at +962 6 500 2777 or write to the email callcenter@aig.aero.

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is located approximately 30 kilometres south of the centre of Amman, the capital of Jordan. The journey usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes, but it is worth accounting for potential travel time increases due to city traffic. Travellers have several convenient transport options to easily reach the terminal.

The most budget-friendly method is the Sariyah Airport Express shuttle bus. It runs between Amman's Northern Bus Station (Tabarbour) and the airport, making stops at key points in the city. Buses depart approximately every 30-60 minutes from early morning until late evening. The fare is around 3.30 Jordanian Dinars, making it an excellent choice for economical tourists. It is a reliable and comfortable form of public transport.

A faster and more convenient option is taxis or ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Careem, which are widely available in the city. A taxi ride from central Amman to the airport will cost approximately 20-25 Dinars. It is recommended to use official yellow taxis, which often operate on fixed rates to the airport, or book a car through trusted apps. This method is ideal if you are travelling with heavy luggage or value personal comfort.

If you have rented a car to travel around the country, getting to the airport is straightforward via the modern Airport Road highway. Queen Alia Airport offers several parking zones. Travellers can access both short-term parking for quick drop-offs or pick-ups, and long-term parking if you plan to leave your car for several days. All parking lots are within walking distance of the terminal.

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), serving the capital Amman, is distinguished by its modern and well-thought-out structure. Contrary to expectations for a major capital airport, there are no numerous scattered buildings here—all infrastructure is concentrated in one large and convenient terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation and makes the airport experience comfortable even for first-time visitors.

The terminal features a recognisable design with a roof consisting of numerous domes, referencing traditional architecture and Bedouin tents. The interior space is divided into several levels:

• Departures Level: Located on the upper floor. Here you will find check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and subsequently—passport control and security screening zones.
• Arrivals Level: Located on the lower floor. Passengers arrive here after disembarking the aircraft. Immigration counters, baggage reclaim belts, and the customs area are situated here.

After passing through security control, passengers enter a spacious central area from which two piers extend—the North Pier and the South Pier, where the boarding gates are located. This central section also houses Duty Free shops, numerous cafes, restaurants, and business lounges. The airport layout is logical, and navigation is facilitated by clear signage in Arabic and English.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between different parts of the airport are done on foot, and there is no need for shuttles or trains. However, please note that the distance to the furthest gates can be significant, so allow 10-15 minutes to walk from the central area to your boarding gate. On average, check-in and pre-flight formalities take about 1.5–2 hours, but during peak hours or the tourist season, it is better to arrive at the airport 3 hours before an international flight to avoid rushing.

Queen Alia International Airport, the main aviation hub of Jordan, has a relatively short but rich history. It was named after Queen Alia Al Hussein, the third wife of King Hussein, who died tragically in a helicopter crash in 1977. The decision to build a new airport was made to cope with the growing passenger traffic that the old Amman airport could no longer handle.

The airport was officially opened in 1983. Since its inception, it has played a key role in the country's economic development, becoming an important centre for passenger and cargo transport in the region. The original terminals served faithfully for decades, but with the growth of tourism and business activity, a need for radical modernisation arose.

The most significant event in the airport's history was its complete reconstruction and the opening of a new terminal in March 2013. The project was designed by the world-famous architectural firm Foster + Partners. The new building received a unique design: its roof consists of numerous concrete domes, reminiscent of both traditional Bedouin tents and the structure of palm leaves. This construction is not only aesthetic but also functional—it provides natural lighting and helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside the building.

Since the opening of the new terminal, Queen Alia Airport has repeatedly received prestigious awards. Notably, it has been recognised many times as the "Best Airport in the Middle East" based on surveys by Airports Council International (ACI), which is a testament to the high quality of passenger service. The terminal's modular design allowed for easy capacity increases, and several expansion phases have been completed to date, enabling the airport to serve over 12 million passengers per year.

An interesting fact: the materials and design of the new terminal were specifically selected taking into account the region's climatic features. The use of concrete with high thermal properties allows the building to cool naturally during the day and retain heat at night, significantly reducing air conditioning costs. Today, Queen Alia Airport is not just a transport hub, but a modern architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Jordanian hospitality.

Queen Alia International Airport in Amman offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait before their flight. The terminal features a wide selection of dining establishments: from cafes with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can experience Jordanian cuisine or order familiar international dishes. The Duty Free shopping area offers a large assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, and unique local souvenirs.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, several business lounges operate at the airport, including the famous Petra Lounge, accessible to passengers of all airlines for an additional fee, and the Crown Lounge for Royal Jordanian and oneworld alliance passengers. The lounges offer guests snacks, beverages, comfortable seating, newspapers, and work zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: travellers have access to bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange bureaus operating 24/7. In case of need, there is a medical centre in the terminal ready to provide first aid. Play areas and mother-and-child rooms are equipped for passengers with children, and special prayer rooms are available for worshippers.

Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive assistance: airport staff will provide wheelchairs and escort them from the check-in counter to boarding the aircraft. For those needing rest between flights, the Amman Airport Hotel is located directly opposite the terminal building, connected to it by a pedestrian walkway. Business travellers can utilise conference halls and meeting rooms available at the hotel and some VIP lounges.

At Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, travellers will find numerous options for a snack or a full meal. Most establishments are located in the main departure area, after passing passport control and security screening (airside), allowing for a comfortable time while waiting for a flight. The assortment ranges from world-famous fast-food chains to restaurants offering local cuisine.

For those wishing to experience the gastronomy of Jordan right at the airport, there are several excellent opportunities. Look out for places serving traditional Middle Eastern dishes: shawarma, falafel, hummus, and fresh salads. This is a wonderful chance to enjoy authentic flavours before departure. Prices in such cafes are usually moderate, and the quality of the food is pleasantly surprising.

If you prefer familiar food, a wide selection of international chains is represented at the airport. Coffee shops such as Starbucks and quick-service restaurants including McDonald's, Popeyes, and others operate here. They are ideal for a quick and predictable snack. Most of these outlets are located in the food court in the departure zone and operate around the clock to serve passengers on all flights.

For a more leisurely lunch or dinner, you can choose one of the restaurants with à la carte service. They offer dishes of international and European cuisine. This is a great option for those with enough time before boarding. Regarding dietary restrictions, Halal dishes are the standard for most establishments. Vegetarians will easily find suitable options, such as salads, vegetable sandwiches, or falafel. Gluten-free dishes may be harder to find, but in full-service restaurants, staff are usually ready to assist with selection.

In the public area before control (landside), the choice of establishments is more limited and mainly represented by small cafes where you can drink coffee and eat a sandwich. The main gastronomic variety awaits passengers in the secure area. The price range generally corresponds to standard airport markups—be prepared to pay slightly more than in the city. Coffee shops and grab-and-go points are suitable for a quick snack, while the food court or restaurants in the main departure hall are best for a hearty meal.

Planning a trip through Queen Alia International Airport will be easier with our tips. It is a modern and well-organised transport hub, but knowing some nuances will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in
For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. This will give you enough time in case of queues at check-in, passport control, and security screening, especially during peak seasons. To speed up the process, use the online check-in service on your airline's website and, if you are travelling without luggage, proceed directly to security control.

Security Control and Hand Luggage
Screening rules are standard, but it is worth being prepared in advance. All liquids (perfumes, creams, beverages) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags into a separate tray. Remember that power banks are permitted only in hand luggage. Be sure to check the current requirements of your airline, as they may differ slightly.

Seat Selection and Transit
When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities: window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, whilst aisle seats allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. For passengers with transfers in Amman, navigation through the airport is intuitive. Follow the "Transit" or "Connecting Flights" signs. Ensure you have enough time between flights—usually, at least 1.5-2 hours is recommended.

Customs Control and Saving Money
When entering Jordan, pay attention to customs regulations. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". To save money, do not rush to exchange money at the first exchange bureau you see—rates in the city are usually better. You can also take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security screening.

What to do in case of flight delay?
In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for food and drinks. Queen Alia Airport offers numerous shops, cafes, and comfortable waiting areas where you can pass the time. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the premises.