King Hussein International Airport

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is not merely an air hub, but a true gateway to the south of Jordan, leading to the treasures of the Red Sea and legendary deserts. Located in immediate proximity to the resort city of Aqaba, it annually welcomes travellers eager to touch ancient history and enjoy a first-class holiday. The airport is distinguished by its compactness and convenience, allowing guests to quickly complete all formalities and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of hospitable Jordan from the very first minutes. Its strategic location makes it the ideal starting point for trips to Petra and the Wadi Rum desert.

Despite its modest size, Aqaba Airport offers all necessary services for a comfortable journey. The single passenger terminal houses Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls, several cafes, and a currency exchange bureau. For passengers who value enhanced comfort, a VIP Lounge with relaxation areas and dining is available. One of the key features of the airport is its proximity to the borders with Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, making it a convenient transit hub for travel throughout the region. The airport is capable of handling even large aircraft, and its infrastructure continues to develop, with a potential capacity of up to 1.5 million passengers per year.

Below you will find contact details for communicating with representatives of King Hussein International Airport (AQJ).

• Official Website: www.aqabaairport.com. Here you can find flight schedules, information about services, and the latest news.
• Help Desk Phone: +962 3 209 1500; +962 3 201 2111.
• Address: King Hussein International Airport, Aqaba, Jordan.
• Email: Main address for general inquiries — info@aqabaairport.com.
• Social Media: We recommend checking the airport's website for official pages and current links.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, please contact your airline's representative office at the airport directly. The carrier's Lost & Found service will provide all necessary assistance.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and support, please use the help desk phone number or the airport's email.

Getting to King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) from the city of Aqaba is effortless, as it is located just 10-12 kilometres north of the centre. Travellers have several convenient transport options available, suitable for any budget and style of travel across Jordan.

Taxi and Transfer

The simplest and most popular way to reach the airport is by taxi. A trip from the central district or coastal hotels will take about 15-20 minutes. The cost of the trip is usually fixed and is approximately 8-12 Jordanian Dinars (JOD). It is recommended to use official taxis or agree on the price in advance. For greater convenience, especially if you are travelling with large luggage or family, you can book a private transfer through your hotel or an online service. This eliminates the need to look for a car and haggle.

Public Transport

There are no metro or trains in Aqaba, but there is a bus service. This is the most budget-friendly option, suitable for economical tourists. Local buses run from the city centre to the airport. However, it is worth noting that they do not have a strict schedule and can be crowded. If you choose this method, allow extra time for the journey. The fare is minimal, but this option is less comfortable compared to a taxi.

Car Rental

If you plan to explore not only Aqaba but also famous sites such as Petra or the Wadi Rum desert, renting a car is an excellent solution. Many international and local rental companies have offices both at the airport and in the city itself. You can pick up a car in the city and return it directly at the airport before departure, which is very convenient. The road to the airport is simple and well-signposted.

Airport Parking

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided. There are both short-term and long-term parking lots available. This is a safe and convenient option if you need to leave the car for the duration of your absence.

It is worth noting that the airport in Aqaba is not the only one in the region. In immediate proximity, in the Israeli city of Eilat, lies Ramon Airport (ETM), and within Egyptian territory are Taba International Airport (TCP) and Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH). This can be useful when planning combined tours across several countries.

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba is a modern, yet compact and passenger-friendly aviation hub. Its main advantage lies in a simple and clear structure, which allows even first-time visitors to orient themselves quickly.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all processes, from check-in to boarding the aircraft, take place in one location. The terminal layout is logical: arrival and departure zones are clearly separated but are within walking distance of each other.

Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in a general area with several check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to passport control and security screening. The departure zone, located after all formalities, includes a small but cosy waiting lounge with several boarding gates, Duty Free shops, and a cafe. The arrival zone is located on the same level and consists of a passport control hall and baggage claim belts.

Completing all procedures at Aqaba Airport usually takes significantly less time than in major hubs. On average, check-in and security screening take between 30 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before an international flight to avoid rushing and to complete all formalities calmly.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear signs in English and Arabic. The entire path from the entrance to the boarding gate is intuitive, and the short distances make moving around the airport quick and untiring. Airport staff are generally friendly and ready to assist should any questions arise.

The history of King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is inextricably linked with the development of Aqaba as a key tourism and economic centre of Jordan. The airport was founded in the second half of the 20th century to serve the growing port city and promote tourism on the Red Sea coast. It received its current name in honour of the late King Hussein ibn Talal, who was a passionate pilot and saw immense potential in the development of this region.

A key moment in the airport's history was the year 2001, when the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) was created. This step served as a powerful impetus for the large-scale modernisation and expansion of the air harbour. Works were carried out to reconstruct the runway, update the terminal, and upgrade navigation equipment. The main goal was to transform the airport into a modern international gateway capable of receiving flights from all over the world and serving the growing flow of tourists and cargo.

Today, King Hussein Airport is one of the most dynamically developing in the region. It has become an important hub for many European low-cost airlines, which has made holidays in Aqaba more accessible to thousands of travellers. Its strategic location makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the "Golden Triangle" of Jordan — Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, and the Red Sea coast itself. The airport continues to develop, supporting the status of Aqaba as a thriving resort and an important logistics node.

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), being the gateway to the resort of Aqaba and the southern part of Jordan, offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed for travellers.

You can have a snack or drink coffee before your flight in one of several cafes and eateries located in the public area and the departure zone. For shopping enthusiasts, a Duty Free shop is available, offering a standard assortment of goods: perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and local souvenirs.

For passengers preferring to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, a VIP Lounge is available with comfortable seating, snacks, and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices.

Financial matters can also be attended to at the airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange bureaus are at the passengers' service. In case of necessity, one can visit the medical point for first aid.

For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance for comfortable movement around the terminal, including escorts and the provision of wheelchairs. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for special services.

There are no hotels directly within the airport grounds, however, many accommodation options are located a few minutes' drive away in the city. Specialised conference halls or business centres are not provided in the terminal, but basic amenities for work, such as internet access, are available to all passengers.

King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba (AQJ) is a modern but relatively small airport. Dining options here are focused on providing basic comfort for passengers waiting for their flight. Do not expect a large food court with dozens of restaurants, however, you will not go hungry.

The main catering points are located in the departure zone, after passing passport control and security screening (airside). Here sits the main cafe where you can order hot and cold drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and other light snacks. This is an excellent place to have a coffee or a bite before boarding. In the public area (landside), the choice is usually limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Although the menu consists mainly of universal international dishes, sometimes you can find local accents, such as traditional Jordanian sweets. As for prices, they are, like in most airports around the world, higher than in the city itself. If you are looking for a quick snack, a sandwich and a drink will suit you perfectly. For a more substantial meal, the choice may be limited, but typically hot dishes, such as pizza or pasta, can be found.

Special dietary preferences are catered for at a basic level. Since Jordan is a Muslim country, virtually all food served here is Halal. Vegetarians will be able to find sandwiches with cheese or vegetables, as well as salads. However, options for vegans or people with gluten intolerance may be extremely limited, so if you have strict dietary requirements, it is more reliable to bring food with you. Cafes and eateries operate according to the flight schedule, serving passengers of both day and night departures.

To ensure your journey through King Hussein International Airport in the city of Aqaba is as comfortable as possible, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help you orient yourself, save time, and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Arrival time at the airport. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient. This time is enough to complete all pre-flight formalities without haste, especially during the peak tourist season.

Check-in and Security. The airport in Aqaba is relatively small, so queues here are generally shorter than in major hubs. Nevertheless, online check-in is the best way to save time. Security checkpoints operate according to standard international rules: be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in containers up to 100 ml from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection. If you are flying out of Jordan or into it, a window seat will gift you stunning views of the Wadi Rum desert and the Red Sea. An aisle seat is more convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. Seats by emergency exits offer more legroom, but booking them may require an additional fee.

Hand Luggage. Be sure to put all valuables in your hand luggage: documents, money, electronics, and necessary medication. Remember the standard restrictions: sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are prohibited. All liquids must be packed in a single transparent bag.

Transfer Passengers. Although Aqaba Airport is not a major transit hub, when transferring, check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Study the terminal map in advance to quickly find the necessary boarding gate.

Customs Control. Upon entering the country, be prepared to present your passport and visa (if required). Jordan's customs regulations have restrictions on the import of tobacco products and other goods. If you are carrying something subject to declaration, prepare the necessary documents in advance to speed up the process.

Saving Time and Money. Book a transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Exchange only a small amount of money at the airport, as the rate here is usually less favourable. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for current information. If you have travel insurance, check if it covers expenses related to delays (for example, meals or accommodation). There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can pass the time while waiting for your flight.