One of the leading airport operators in the region, Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian company responsible for managing Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), has announced the airport’s traffic results for May 2026, highlighting a gradual but encouraging recovery in activity at Jordan’s primary international gateway. The latest figures indicate renewed momentum across passenger movement, aircraft operations, and cargo handling following a period of volatility earlier in the year. However, despite these positive developments, overall performance remained below the levels recorded during the same period in 2025.
During May 2026, QAIA welcomed a total of 605,181 passengers, representing a significant increase of 46.9% compared with April 2026. This month-on-month growth reflects a notable rebound in travel demand and operational activity. Nevertheless, passenger numbers were still 17.9% lower than those recorded in May 2025, underlining that the airport’s recovery remains ongoing and has not yet returned to previous performance levels.
Aircraft activity also demonstrated strong improvement during the month. QAIA recorded 5,348 aircraft movements (ACM), marking an increase of 35.3% compared with April 2026. Despite this positive monthly trend, aircraft movements remained 18.1% below the figures registered in May of the previous year. The increase suggests that airlines continue to restore schedules and respond to improving market conditions while adapting to evolving regional circumstances.
Cargo operations followed a similar pattern of recovery. During May, the airport handled 5,841 tons of cargo, achieving a 32.6% increase compared with April 2026. However, cargo volumes declined by 25.3% when measured against May 2025, indicating that freight activity, while improving, is still recovering from earlier disruptions and softer demand conditions.
The strong month-on-month performance recorded across all operational indicators points to a continued recovery in passenger traffic and aircraft activity after fluctuations experienced earlier in the year. These fluctuations were largely influenced by regional instability, which affected travel confidence, airline operations, and broader market dynamics across the aviation sector.
Commenting on the results, Nicolas Deviller, Chief Executive Officer of Airport International Group, said: “The recovery in passenger traffic and aircraft movements recorded in May is an encouraging indicator of the resilience of Jordan’s aviation sector and the continued confidence of travelers in Queen Alia International Airport. As we navigate a dynamic operating environment, our focus remains on delivering an efficient airport experience while ensuring operational excellence across all services. We remain committed to maintaining QAIA’s position as Jordan’s main gateway to the world and contributing to the Kingdom’s economic growth, connectivity, and long-term development.”
Overall, the May 2026 results reflect a positive trajectory for QAIA, signaling renewed activity and reinforcing confidence in the airport’s ability to support Jordan’s aviation and economic ambitions.
