Queen Alia International Airport
IATA: AMM · ICAO: OJAI · Amman, Jordan · Last updated: April 2026
Current Status
Queen Alia International Airport operates normally under standard conditions. Located in the OJAC Amman FIR, it serves as the primary hub for Royal Jordanian Airlines and handles over 9 million passengers annually. The airport maintains two runways (08L/26R and 08R/26L) with full ILS capability on all approaches.
However, Amman occupies a uniquely exposed geographic position. Surrounded by airspace that is either conflict-affected or subject to sudden closure — Syria to the north, Iraq to the east, Israel and Palestine to the west, and Saudi Arabia to the south — Queen Alia regularly absorbs diverted traffic when neighboring airports become inaccessible. This has made it one of the most operationally significant diversion airports in the Middle East.
During the February 2026 Gulf cascade event, when 12 FIRs closed simultaneously, Amman was among the airports that remained operational and accepted diverted aircraft. The airport's ability to function as a regional safety valve has increased its strategic importance, though this dual role also means it faces surge demand precisely when regional conditions are most volatile.
Key Risks
Jordan has closed its own airspace during Iran-Israel exchanges and other regional events. When Iraq or Iran escalate, Jordanian authorities may impose precautionary closures at short notice, even when no direct threat exists to Amman itself.
Aircraft on approach to AMM report intermittent GPS interference, attributed to Israeli defensive spoofing systems and Iraqi conflict-zone emissions. Eastern approaches are particularly affected, with position errors reported by multiple operators.
When Beirut, Tel Aviv, or Baghdad become unavailable, AMM receives a sudden influx of diverted flights. Ground handling and parking capacity can be stretched during multi-airport closure scenarios.
During the April 2024 Iran-Israel exchange, regional military systems transited the OJAC FIR. Jordan activated air defense systems and temporarily closed airspace. This pattern is expected to recur in future escalations.
Recent Events
AMM accepted diverted flights from UAE airports during precautionary closures related to regional missile activity. Ground operations managed surge without significant delays.
OJAC FIR temporarily closed during Gulf 12-FIR cascade event. Reopened within hours. AMM resumed normal operations and began accepting diversions from airports that remained closed longer.
Multiple GPS spoofing reports on eastern approaches to AMM. Jordan Civil Aviation Authority issued guidance to crews regarding reliance on conventional navigation aids.
Jordan closed airspace as Iranian missiles transited the FIR toward Israel. Air defense systems activated. AMM operations suspended for approximately six hours.
Airlines Operating
Royal Jordanian (primary hub), Ryanair, easyJet, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, MEA, EgyptAir, and numerous regional carriers. AMM has grown as a Beirut alternative since 2024, with several carriers adding or expanding Amman service.
Low-cost carriers have increased European connections, while Gulf carriers use AMM as a secondary Levant gateway when Beirut is unavailable.
Approach & Navigation
AMM has full ILS (CAT I) capability on both runway directions. VOR/DME approaches provide backup when GPS is unreliable. The airport sits at an elevation of 2,395 feet (730 m) on a plateau east of Amman, with relatively flat terrain on all approaches.
Crews are advised to have conventional approach procedures briefed and loaded as primary when operating during periods of reported GPS interference. Jordan's ATC has been proactive in issuing timely NOTAMs regarding GPS degradation events.
Related
This page provides publicly available information about airport conditions. Always consult official sources (ICAO, EASA, FAA) and current NOTAMs for operational decisions.