Plizio Visual Lab
King Hussein International Airport
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
trade-hub
King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is located north of the city of Aqaba and serves as a vital hub for aviation infrastructure in southern Jordan. Named after the late King Hussein, it plays a decisive role in the economic development of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA). The airport operates under a unique 'Open Skies' policy, which grants international airlines extensive landing rights without the usual restrictive quotas. Its strategic position near the borders of Israel and Saudi Arabia makes it a key gateway for both the tourism industry and regional cargo logistics. The single runway exceeds 3,000 meters in length, allowing it to accommodate large wide-body aircraft. Being close to the maritime ports of Aqaba, the airport enables efficient multimodal transportation solutions within the Middle East. Over the past decades, significant investments have been made to modernize terminal facilities to handle increasing passenger volumes.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Horbat Dafit · Ein Avrona · Givat Bahat
- Nearby: Aqaba (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 9 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This international airport near Aqaba functions as a crucial hub for air traffic, tourism, and cargo transport in southern Jordan, thereby strongly boosting the regional economy and facilitating international trade connections.
Visiting
As an active transportation hub, the premises are typically accessible only to travelers with valid flight tickets and authorized personnel, while the exterior facilities can be clearly observed from the surrounding public roads.
Where to view it
The best views of airplanes taking off and landing are offered from the surrounding public roads as well as from designated waiting areas located outside the actual security perimeters and the main terminal building.
Local products
Inside the terminal, passengers can typically purchase local Jordanian handicrafts, typical souvenirs, and regional culinary specialties in the various duty-free shops and retail stands available throughout the concourse.
Active season
Operations are maintained all year round, although a particularly high volume of passengers is typically recorded during the more pleasant winter months and the peak tourist season along the beautiful Red Sea coast.
Nearby
A stay in this area can be excellently combined with a visit to the nearby coastal city of Aqaba, the beautiful beaches of the Red Sea, or a fascinating desert safari adventure in the spectacular Wadi Rum region.
Geography
Facts
- The airport features a single runway with a length of 3,000 meters.
- It was officially opened in 1972 to replace the older urban airfield.
- The facility is situated approximately 9 kilometers north of Aqaba city center.
- It is the only airport in Jordan to implement an Open Skies policy.
- The terminal has an annual capacity of about 1.5 million passengers.
- The airport's official IATA code is AQJ.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town King Hussein International Airport (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How far is the airport from Aqaba city center?
The airport is located about 9 km north of the city.
Is there a public shuttle bus?
There is no fixed shuttle; taxis are the most common option.
Which airlines fly here?
Mainly Royal Jordanian and seasonal charter flights.
Is the airport open 24 hours?
Yes, operation is continuous depending on the flight schedule.
What is the role of this airport?
It serves as an important hub for tourism in southern Jordan.
King Hussein International Airport: where is it located?
King Hussein International Airport is located in Jordan.
King Hussein International Airport: what is there to see?
Highlights include Horbat Dafit, Ein Avrona, Givat Bahat.
King Hussein International Airport: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
King Hussein International Airport: why is it worth visiting?
King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is located north of the city of Aqaba and serves as a vital hub for aviation infrastructure in southern Jordan.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Jordan →
Nearby cities
Aqaba
Aqaba is Jordan's only seaport on the Red Sea.
Eilat
Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a busy port and popular resort at the northern tip of the Red Sea.
Fjord Bay
Fjord Bay is a spectacular diving and sightseeing spot south of Taba, famous for its deep blue hole and dramatic mountain backdrop.
Haql
A charming coastal city on the Gulf of Aqaba with views of the Sinai Mountains.
Taba Heights
A master-planned luxury resort community near Taba offering upscale hotels, golfing, and a relaxing ambiance nestled between mountains an…
Nueiba
Nueiba is a tranquil beach town on the Gulf of Aqaba, offering a serene escape with majestic mountains meeting the Red Sea.
Nuweiba
A quiet coastal town connecting Egypt to Jordan via ferries.
Nature
More places
Aqaba Bird Observatory
A vital stopover for migratory birds on their journey between Europe and Africa.
Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA)
A duty-free zone that attracts investors with low taxes and simplified regulations on the Red Sea.
Aqaba Fort
A Mamluk-era coastal fortress that was the site of a major victory during the Arab Revolt of 1917.
Aqaba Container Terminal
One of the most important ports on the Red Sea, connecting Jordan to global trade.
Aqaba New Port
A state-of-the-art port facility built to expand Jordan's maritime capacities.
Aqaba Marine Park
This marine protected area on the Red Sea conserves Jordan's colorful coral reefs.
Jabal Ram
A massive sandstone mountain in Wadi Rum that was long mistakenly believed to be the country's highest peak.
Wadi Rum
This spectacular desert valley is famous for its monolithic rock formations and red sand dunes.