Khaberni - Royal Jordanian Airlines stated that its flights were clearly affected by the closure or restriction of airspace in the region during the tensions in the Middle East; however, the impact did not reach a complete halt.
Royal Jordanian told "Al-Mamlaka" on Wednesday that its flights to destinations with open skies during the war operated "regularly and safely," where about 70% of the company's network functioned as usual, following precautionary measures to ensure the highest safety standards.
The company explained that it adjusted some of its flight routes to avoid areas affected by the war, noting that keeping the skies open under regional tensions is "very costly" for Royal Jordanian, but it is a "national duty" to transport passengers.
It noted a significant decrease in the number of bookings to and from Jordan and the number of passengers to some destinations, due to the uncertainty in the region.
Flight Paths
In terms of managing changes in flight paths, Royal Jordanian re-routed a number of its flights through longer alternative routes, leading to increased flight times and higher operating costs, especially concerning fuel consumption and insurance costs.
It explained that during the tensions, its flights took southern routes and avoided flying westward and northward, using Egyptian airspace to reach its stations in Europe and the United States of America.
It noted that each of these flights adds about half an hour, which imposes significant financial burdens on the company.
Ticket Prices
Regarding ticket prices, the company told "Al-Mamlaka" that global airlines had increased their prices by between 100% and 150% or imposed additional fees, "including Royal Jordanian," which raised ticket prices due to rising fuel prices and route changes.
It pointed out that this coincided with a decline in travel demand, placing Royal Jordanian before a "difficult equation" of covering costs while maintaining occupancy rates.
Royal Jordanian noted that it suspended its flights during the war to countries with closed skies, including Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Damascus, while continuing operations to its destinations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Europe, North America, and North Africa.
Crisis Management
The company stated that it activated advanced crisis management and business continuity plans, enabling it to respond quickly to operational changes and ensure service sustainability, mentioning that these measures included rescheduling flights, adjusting air routes, and enhancing coordination with local and international authorities to maintain the highest safety and operational efficiency standards.
Royal Jordanian confirmed its continued investment in developing its operations and enhancing its future readiness, which supports growth and strengthens its competitive ability in the aviation sector.
In relation to passengers, Royal Jordanian explained that it provided effective communication channels to keep them informed of developments, offered flexible booking and modification options, enabled ticket refunds according to facilitated policies, and provided ground support service for passengers from Syria and Iraq, contributing to mitigating the crisis's impact and maintaining confidence in its services.
Supply Chain Continuity
The company affirmed its role as a strategic partner for the Kingdom, stating that the national carrier continued to serve passengers to most available destinations, compensating for the absence of several global airlines that suspended flights to the region.
It highlighted its role in maintaining the continuity of supply chains through transporting shipments of medicine and food, enhancing food security, alongside its contributions to supporting the tourism sector and promoting Jordan as a preferred destination, through the message "Our skies are open," which confirms the readiness of the Kingdom and its continued connection to the world.
