Amman, Aug. 11 (Petra) – Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) stands as a regional benchmark for successful public-private partnerships (PPPs), showcasing how visionary collaboration between the government and the private sector can deliver world-class infrastructure, operational excellence and sustainable economic value. Since Airport International Group was awarded the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession agreement in 2007 to rehabilitate, expand and operate QAIA, the airport has transformed into a modern gateway that consistently ranks among the best airports in the Middle East, demonstrating the powerful impact of strategic investment, long-term planning and shared commitment to national progress.
As a reaffirmation of this enduring partnership, in 2024, the Government of Jordan approved a seven-year extension to the existing concession agreement until 2039, reinforcing the shared vision for advancing Jordan’s prime gateway to the world.
Speaking to Petra in an exclusive interview, Airport International Group CEO, Nicolas Deviller, hailed this decision as a defining milestone. Deviller emphasized that the extension followed nearly 50 months of intensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders and came at a crucial time. “The global pandemic was an immense challenge for the entire aviation industry, and attaining this extension last year was both necessary and a testament to our resilience,” he said.
In February 2025, Airport International Group and the Ministry of Transport reaffirmed their commitment through a signed joint declaration outlining shared priorities for QAIA’s development. These encompassed enhancing safety, security, efficiency and the overall passenger experience, alongside the introduction of advanced technologies, reduction of carbon emissions and implementation of renewable energy solutions, all contributing to increased airport traffic and a stronger tourism sector.
Several large-scale projects are currently underway to advance QAIA’s infrastructure. These include a capacity expansion plan targeting 18 million passengers annually, the trial phase of nine state-of-the-art security e-gates at the Arrivals and Departures Halls, a water supply enhancement project, upgraded security checkpoints at entrances and exits and ongoing studies to rehabilitate the southern runway.
Deviller credited the Government of Jordan and the Ministry of Transport for their strategic partnership and expressed special appreciation to the Minister of Transport, H.E. Eng. Wesam Tahtamouni, for her dedication. “These milestones wouldn’t have been possible without the Ministry’s unwavering support, which has been crucial in fueling QAIA’s success,” he noted.
He added that the concession extension reflects more than a vote of confidence in Airport International Group’s capabilities. “It also spotlights the vital role of public-private partnerships in transforming national infrastructure into global case studies worth emulating,” he said. “With a clear vision and strong collaboration, we look forward to shaping QAIA’s future as a world-class airport that serves Jordan and makes Jordanians proud.”
In July 2025, QAIA also saw the installation of a cutting-edge radioactive material detection system – part of a national initiative led by the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) in partnership with the Government of Canada and Airport International Group to strengthen Jordan’s nuclear security. As QAIA’s operator, Airport International Group was involved from the start, signing an MoU with EMRC, providing technical support and infrastructure information and ensuring the systems were smoothly integrated into airport operations without disrupting passenger flow.
Global Recognition for Service Excellence
QAIA’s focus on operational excellence and the passenger experience has earned it multiple international accolades. Most recently, Airports Council International (ACI) World named QAIA the ‘Most Enjoyable Airport in the Middle East’ based on the 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Survey and ‘Best Airport by Size and Region: Middle East’ for the eighth time overall based on the 2023 ASQ Survey. The airport also secured a 4-Star Airport Rating by SKYTRAX in 2024 and renewed its Level 3 Airport Customer Experience Accreditation through 2026.
“These awards reaffirm our commitment to delivering an exceptional passenger experience,” Deviller stated. “They reflect our team’s diligent efforts to raise service standards across all operations, in line with our 2023-2025 strategic goals.”
QAIA was also honored with the Silver Jubilee Medal and Seal of Excellence by His Majesty King Abdullah II, in recognition of its vital role as Jordan’s prime gateway and a key contributor to national progress over the past 25 years. “These milestones are a tribute to our team, partners and stakeholders whose extraordinary efforts have elevated QAIA into a globally recognized, award-winning airport,” Deviller said.
Driving Economic Growth and Local Empowerment
Deviller described QAIA as a critical contributor to Jordan’s economic development, noting that since the inauguration of the Terminal Building in 2013, the airport has demonstrated the success of the PPP and BOT models in delivering major infrastructure projects without burdening the treasury.
In 2019 alone, QAIA contributed over JOD 2.5 billion to Jordan’s economy accounting for around 8.9% of GDP and supported JOD 542 million in government revenues, according to an IATA Consulting study. The airport directly benefits the government with 54.64% of its gross revenues, totaling more than JOD 1.2 billion since the start of Airport International Group’s concession.
QAIA’s impact on employment is equally significant, with nearly 16,500 people employed directly by airport stakeholders, and over 238,000 jobs supported across the wider ecosystem, per 2019 figures.
Deviller also emphasized QAIA’s role in boosting tourism and connectivity, with expanding airline and destination networks opening affordable, direct routes to regional and global destinations. “QAIA serves not only as Jordan’s prime gateway but as a key enabler of the local tourism industry,” he said.
He highlighted QAIA’s strategic location along the Amman-Aqaba highway and its connectivity to Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, noting the additional value of a nearby rail track that enhances logistical access.
Beyond economic contributions, the Airport International Group Foundation has been investing in community empowerment through initiatives like the Hirfati vocational training center in Al Jizah, where 622 youth have already graduated with job-ready skills. QAIA is also supporting innovation in the aviation sector via the ‘Airport Innovation Days’ competition by Groupe ADP, which links startups with resources to address real-world challenges.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability remains a core focus for Airport International Group, with landmark projects such as the ‘Shams al Mattar Lil-Taqa’ solar farm and the Miyahuna water pipeline helping to align QAIA with Jordan’s national environmental goals.
Inaugurated in April 2025, the 4.8 MWac solar farm generates over 10.5 GWh annually enough to power 3,000 homes covering nearly 37% of Airport International Group’s energy needs and reducing CO? emissions by 12,000 tons each year.
“This project positions QAIA as one of the largest solar-powered airports in MENA and supports our ambition to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” Deviller said. QAIA was also the first airport in the Middle East to achieve Level 4+ ‘Transition’ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, recently renewed until 2028.
Meanwhile, the Miyahuna water pipeline project went into operation in early July 2025 to meet growing water demand as passenger numbers and operations expand. Deviller explained that the project reduces the environmental impact of water transportation and exemplifies how PPPs can enable sustainable infrastructure.
QAIA’s remote location also minimizes noise pollution, a fact confirmed by recent noise analysis studies. This operational advantage, Deviller noted, is key in maintaining support from international financial institutions such as the World Bank through the International Finance Corporation and the Islamic Development Fund.
Improving Accessibility and Passenger Experience
Airport International Group continues to invest in inclusivity and accessibility at QAIA. Facilities such as e-gates and wheelchair-accessible stations are complemented by accessible elevators, Braille signage, tactile flooring, reflective tape for improved visibility and disability-friendly restrooms. “We’ve prioritized inclusive design and innovative technology to ensure every passenger feels confident navigating QAIA,” Deviller said. Designated parking, priority seating, intuitive applications and organized transport services, including taxis, buses and smart transportation apps, all contribute to a seamless passenger experience.
Resilience Amid Regional Instability
Deviller acknowledged the impact of regional tensions since October 2023, which have disrupted tourism and airline operations. “Despite external pressures, we remain agile and continue to act swiftly and effectively, with notable signs of recovery during the first six months of 2025,” he noted.
QAIA is expanding its capacity from 12 million to 18 million passengers annually to meet future demand. “Despite the challenges and the most recent political developments, which resulted in multiple airlines suspending their flights, our shareholders’ global networks from the Far East to the Americas remain instrumental in helping us adapt and grow,” Deviller added.
Expanding Global Connectivity
Looking ahead, QAIA is working to expand into key markets in North America and Asia, while restoring suspended regional and European routes. After a record-setting 2023, in which over 9.2 million passengers passed through QAIA, a dip in 2024 was followed by a strong recovery between January and June 2025, with over 4.4 million passengers.
“We are determined to expand our network and deliver best-in-class services for airlines,” Deviller said. QAIA continues to provide full maintenance, catering and cargo services that meet international standards, making it a strategic regional partner. “We’re excited for the journey ahead and look forward to announcing new routes and welcoming more airlines soon,” he concluded.
//Petra// AJ
12/08/2025 14:10:37
