Royal Jordanian Adds Amman-Washington Flights After United’s Exit

Royal Jordanian is adding a new route to the U.S. from next March, moving into a market recently vacated by United Airlines.

Starting March 23, 2025, the carrier will operate two flights per week between Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The 5,949-mi. (5,170-nm) route will be served by Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

“This route not only enhances our network connectivity but also underscores our dedication to fostering stronger ties between Jordan and the United States,” Royal Jordanian President and CEO Samer Majali says.

The move follows United’s decision to suspend its 3X-weekly service on the same route in August 2024. The Star Alliance member had launched flights between the cities in May 2022 but cited safety concerns and low demand as reasons for discontinuing the service.

Royal Jordanian’s entry to the Washington market complements its existing nonstop U.S. flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, New York John F. Kennedy International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

According to Sabre Market Intelligence data, O&D traffic between Washington and Amman totaled 40,000 two-way passengers in 2023, marking a rise of 6.5% compared with 2019. Looking at the flow of traffic on United’s service from IAD to AMM, about 78% of passengers who flew to Jordan’s capital started their journey from destinations behind Washington. While Royal Jordanian will not have this connectivity beyond IAD, it will have the benefit of feed from destinations it serves behind Amman.

The launch of flights to Washington comes as Royal Jordanian continues to expand its network. Despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the airline has introduced routes to London Stansted and Manchester in England and resumed services to Berlin and Düsseldorf in Germany.

The Oneworld alliance member is also pushing ahead with a fleet renewal plan, with six 787-9s currently on order that will effectively double its widebody capacity. Five Embraer E2s have also been delivered over the past year from a batch of eight on order.