Royal Jordanian launches direct Moscow–Aqaba flights

Jordan’s national carrier Royal Jordanian is set to launch direct regular flights from Moscow Domodedovo to Aqaba, Jordan’s main resort on the Red Sea. Scheduled to begin within the current summer 2026 navigation season, the new service will operate twice weekly on modern Airbus A320neo aircraft. For the Russian outbound tourism market, the launch of a direct non-stop flight to Aqaba marks a significant development: until now, direct flights from Russia have primarily brought tourists to Amman for sightseeing programs, visits to the Dead Sea and combined itineraries. By offering direct access to Jordan’s sole maritime gateway, the new route effectively creates a beach‑entry point for Russian travellers.  

The timing is favourable. Since 13 December 2025, Russia and Jordan operate a mutual visa‑free regime for tourist stays of up to 30 consecutive days and a total of 90 days per year. Before the change, a visa on arrival cost US$60. Tour operators describe the elimination of visa fees and formalities as a key driver for spontaneous travel and demand growth. Already, passenger traffic on Royal Jordanian’s Moscow–Amman route grew by 20% in the first four months of 2026, and the airline continues to fly from Domodedovo to the Jordanian capital four times a week during the summer schedule. The carrier is also the only operator on the Russia–Jordan route, and it plans to launch direct flights from St Petersburg to Jordan in 2027.

Russian tour operators indicate that Aqaba’s potential to draw market share from Egypt depends on two conditions: competitive airfares and the widespread availability of all‑inclusive packages, which remains the preferred format for mass‑market Russian beach holidays. Egypt’s resorts have perfected this model; Jordan has yet to scale it. Moreover, Aqaba’s hotel inventory remains smaller and more boutique‑oriented, appealing to a different segment of traveller. The direct flight will help address the logistical barrier, but converting interest into volume will require Jordan’s hospitality sector to adapt to Russian consumer expectations.

According to ATOR (Association of Tour Operators of Russia), Russian tour operators have already begun working on the new destination. ICS Travel Group is signing an agreement with Royal Jordanian and is ready to take blocks on seats for the Aqaba flights. Space Travel has held talks with the airline and will soon launch tour sales based on the new flights. Aqaba has appeared in Anex’s portfolio, and the tour operator is studying the possibility of taking seat blocks. ITM Group and Russian Express are also working on block solutions – both already feature the destination in their product lines. PAC Group, for which Aqaba often forms part of standard sightseeing itineraries, is likewise interested in the new flight.