(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, Oct. 22 (Petra) – Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier, announced on Wednesday an expanded winter schedule to Amman, offering more than 300,000 seats on flights linking Jordan to 18 destinations across 12 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin described the announcement as a major milestone for Jordan's aviation and tourism sectors, noting that the 2025/2026 winter program includes 13 new destinations.
Hijazin said the expansion reinforces Jordan's position as a regional hub for tourism and investment, supports economic growth, and generates new opportunities throughout the tourism value chain.
He added that the partnership with Ryanair, launched in 2018, has evolved into a successful model of collaboration built on trust, flexibility, and a shared vision for developing tourism in the Kingdom.
Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson credited the rapid return to full operations at the Queen Alia International Airport to the airport's pragmatic management and the Jordanian government's pro-business policies, which, he said, have strengthened the Kingdom's reputation as a leading Middle Eastern tourism destination.
Wilson revealed that Ryanair has submitted an ambitious investment proposal for Jordan that aims to increase annual seat capacity by 360 percent to three million and launch up to 50 direct routes between European cities and Jordan.
The plan also envisions operating new flights from Marka Airport in Amman and maintaining year-round services to Aqaba, further positioning Jordan as a key regional hub in the airline's network.
He added that the company has resumed full operations as of October, marking the start of its largest-ever winter flight schedule to Amman. The program includes 84 weekly flights across 18 destinations, connecting Jordan to 12 European markets and boosting the Kingdom's appeal as a winter tourism destination.
Wilson emphasized that Ryanair's growing operations reflect its long-term commitment to Jordan and align with the Kingdom's Economic Modernization Vision.
The company's new investment plans seek to expand annual capacity to three million seats and establish up to 50 direct routes through Amman, Marka, and Aqaba airports.
Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat,
highlighted Ryanair's role in promoting Jordan as a competitive and accessible destination for European travelers.
He said the partnership has yielded tangible results, attracting over one million European visitors, diversifying source markets, and setting record numbers in several seasons.
Arabiyat underlined the importance of joint marketing campaigns, which have strengthened Jordan's global tourism presence by targeting a wide range of travelers from culture and adventure enthusiasts to families.
He also stressed the need to tailor promotional messages to each European market to maximize outreach and impact.

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