A Blog by RSC Intern Lily Cain
During my four months studying in Jordan, my friends and I were eager to explore the Arab region and Europe. However, when affordable flights began to be canceled, most of us had to abandon our travel plans due to our student budgets. I was not the only one affected; many of my fellow students shared similar experiences, facing the disappointment and frustration of canceled trips. Beyond students, numerous residents in Jordan also encountered significant difficulties, such as increased travel costs and the challenge of visiting family abroad.
In exploring the ramifications of cheap airlines or low-cost carriers suspending flights to and from Jordan, it is essential to understand the broader context in which these carriers operate and their significance within the aviation industry in the broader Arab region.
For instance, low-cost carriers (LCCs) contribute to air transport and tourism growth. Despite political tensions and regulatory challenges, LCCs have experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the expansion of carriers like Fly Dubai and Air Arabia. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have the potential to reshape the aviation landscape, improving access to air travel by offering more affordable travel options and stimulating economic growth through increased tourism and job creation.
This article aims to answer the following question: How does the suspension of these carriers impact youth mobility and the tourist sector in Jordan?
To this end, this article will retrace the establishment of LCCs lines in Jordan and their ongoing suspension, and the consequences of this suspension for tourism and youth mobility.
Establishment of LCCs´ lines in Jordan
In Jordan, most recently LCCs like Ryanair and Wizz Air have been key players in the air transport field. Globally, these two companies have been expanding and growing. In 2023 Ryanair boasted approximately 169 million booked passengers, while Wizz Air recorded 60.3 million passengers. Ryanair launched its first flights to Jordan in 2018, introducing 14 routes to Amman and Aqaba airports as part of its Middle Eastern expansion, targeting nearly 500,000 customers annually, while Wizz Air made a deal with the Kingdom to launch its four year-round services to Amman and four seasonal flights to Aqaba in December 2021. This collaboration between the Jordan Tourism Board and Ryanair was extended until 2028, adding four new routes to the existing 21, expanding the connectivity between Jordan and 12 European cities. This expansion is anticipated to draw over 600,000 travelers annually, marking a 30% increase in tourism and generating job opportunities across Jordan. Concurrently, Ryanair’s robust social media presence will bolster the global promotion of Jordanian tourism. Additionally, the partnership between the Jordan Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism, and Wizz Air aimed to launch eight new routes, strategically split between Amman and Aqaba. With four year-round routes to Budapest, Rome, Milan, and Vienna, alongside four seasonal routes servicing Aqaba in winter, this initiative aligns with Jordan’s strategic plan to invigorate inbound tourism and facilitate long-term growth, particularly in the wake of pandemic-induced setbacks. The expansion efforts were expected to create over 500 aviation jobs and further bolster economic development. Moreover, a commitment to sustainable tourism management underscores the protection of World Heritage Sites and ensures balanced growth within the sector.
Reasons for Flight Suspensions
Despite these airlines’ deals with Jordan, the spring of this year saw many flight cancellations. Ryanair canceled approximately 700 flights in April due to the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and its repercussions on flight paths and subsequent diminution of customer interest. For instance, Ryanair is ceasing its Budapest–Amman route due to decreased demand and difficulty filling planes amid the attack’s proximity, effective at the end of the winter timetable in March. As mentioned, this decision is part of a broader reduction in travel willingness to Jordan, impacting Ryanair’s initial plans for an expanded network in the region. Meanwhile, Wizz Air has canceled more than 60 flights in Europe. There are various reasons and theories for why these flights have been canceled. A leading one is because of the attack on Gaza and the West Bank. Other issues however have been cited, such as engine issues and Ryanair facing potential flight cuts and fare increases due to Boeing’s failure to deliver the promised aircrafts.
Consequences of Flight Suspensions
- Tourism & Economy
Foreign trade emerges as a vital engine for economic growth, fostering market expansion, revenue generation, and job creation. Initiatives like the National Foreign Trade Strategy in Saudi Arabia, along with the efforts of institutions such as the General Authority for Foreign Trade and the Saudi EXIM Bank, bolster this development by facilitating financing and enhancing participation in trade organizations. In tandem, Jordan’s evolution into a regional hub over the last two decades underscores the significance of strategic positioning and competitive advantages, attracting a multitude of international businesses and commercial agents. Meanwhile, in today’s interconnected world, tourism remains a cornerstone of modern societies, shaping economic and social landscapes globally.
The Jordanian tourism sector is grappling with significant challenges amidst recent geopolitical turmoil. With a staggering 80% of tourists canceling bookings between March and May, projections suggested a potential loss of around 600,000 visitors between February and May. Urgent action is imperative, calling for a strategic approach that includes support measures, the exploration of new markets, and intensified promotional efforts for Jordan. The ongoing aggressions on Gaza and in the West Bank have dealt a severe blow to Jordan’s hospitality sector, as highlighted by Hussein Helalat, Vice President of the Jordan Hotels Association (JHA). Hotels witnessed sharp declines in reservations, with occupancy rates plummeting in key tourist destinations like Amman, the Dead Sea, and Petra. Helalat underscored the immediate need for support to safeguard sector operators and employees, advocating for innovative strategies and collaboration between the government and private sector to attract new markets to Jordan. As Jordan’s economy heavily depends on tourism, the ripple effects of the ongoing attack on Gaza and the West Bank have further dampened tourism activity, mirroring similar declines in neighboring countries like Israel, Lebanon, and Egypt.
- Education & Youth Mobility
With around 36% of its population falling within the youth demographic, Jordan boasts a sizable segment of young individuals, comprising more than one-third of its populace. Additionally, the country hosts a significant number of students pursuing education abroad, with UNESCO reporting 29,486 Jordanian students studying overseas. Conversely, Jordan has emerged as a notable regional study destination in recent years, witnessing a substantial increase in the enrollment of foreign students in its academic institutions. The number of international students studying in Jordanian universities nearly doubled between 2011 and 2016, reaching over 47,000, constituting roughly 15% of the total student population in higher education that year. The government has set ambitious targets to further raise this percentage to 25% of total enrollment by 2020. However, the cancellation of flights to and from Jordan poses significant challenges for both Jordanian students studying abroad and foreign students intending to pursue education in Jordan. This disruption not only jeopardizes academic pursuits but also impacts cultural exchange and the broader educational landscape of the country. The flight cancellations could hamper this mobility for education. Traditional airlines tend to be more expensive, making travel less accessible for many young Jordanians. This restricts their ability to pursue international education, attend conferences, or participate in exchange programs – crucial factors for personal and professional development.
Recommendations Moving forward
Looking ahead, there are significant opportunities to further develop Jordan’s tourism and transportation sectors by expanding partnerships with additional low-cost carriers and increasing route availability. This can attract a greater number of tourists and business travelers, potentially boosting the tourism industry. Future advancements should focus on sustainable tourism practices, ensuring the protection of Jordan’s World Heritage Sites and promoting balanced growth. To enhance global awareness of Jordan’s tourism offerings, leveraging digital marketing and social media platforms will be crucial.
*This blog has been written by Lily Cain as part of the activities of the RSC Internship Program. The program at Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC) at ARDD, offers BA/MA students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a Jordanian Think Tank and engage with key audiences, including civil society, media, and academia.
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