Published on
September 19, 2025
Starting on September 18 and continuing on 19th, 2025, Royal Jordanian, the national carrier of Jordan, disrupted travel plans for passengers across Amman, Istanbul and Dubai with three significant flight cancellations. These cancellations have led to travel interruptions between key destinations in Jordan, Turkey and the UAE. The affected flights, which were scheduled to depart from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, were meant to connect travelers to Istanbul and Dubai. The disruptions, reported through FlightAware data, also include 7 delays, further complicating travel for affected passengers. With these cancellations, passengers traveling between Amman, Istanbul and Dubai now face potential rerouting and rescheduling. This unexpected issue is particularly troubling for travelers, given the importance of these airports and routes for both business and tourism. The situation might even have a ripple effect, especially on local tourism in Jordan, Turkey and the UAE.
Royal Jordanian has canceled three of its scheduled flights, specifically on routes connecting Amman with Istanbul and Dubai. The following flights were affected:
RJA41 (A321): Scheduled to depart from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman to Istanbul Airport (IST) in Turkey, this flight was set for Thursday at 10:10 PM +03.
RJA81 (A321): This flight was planned to depart from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai, UAE, on Friday at 06:10 AM +03.
RJA82 (A321): The return flight from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman was scheduled for Friday at 11:40 AM +04.
The cancellations directly impact three major international routes:
Amman to Istanbul: Royal Jordanian Flight RJA41 was set to connect Jordan with Istanbul, a key destination for both tourism and business. Istanbul’s role as a significant travel hub in Turkey and Europe makes this route particularly crucial for those traveling to or from the Middle East.
Amman to Dubai: Royal Jordanian Flight RJA81 connects the capital of Jordan with Dubai, one of the busiest travel hubs in the UAE. Dubai attracts thousands of visitors annually, both for business and leisure.
Dubai to Amman: The return flight, RJA82, was designed to facilitate travel from Dubai back to Amman. Dubai serves as an international gateway, linking the UAE with numerous destinations worldwide, making this route essential for those visiting Jordan from the UAE.
With these cancellations, passengers relying on these key connections are likely to face travel delays and rerouting, creating significant inconvenience.
Delays
In addition to the cancellations, Royal Jordanian has also reported delays on some of its flights. A total of 7 delays were reported, contributing to the travel disruptions faced by passengers. With 5% of flights delayed, travelers should be prepared for potential waiting times at the affected airports, especially during peak travel hours.
Affected Airports
The cancellations and delays are concentrated at several major international airports across three countries:
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Jordan: As the main airport serving Amman, this hub sees a significant number of international travelers and the cancellations of Royal Jordanian flights directly impact operations here. Passengers traveling to or from Amman may find their plans disrupted, leading to possible delays and the need for rebooking.
Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey: As one of the busiest airports in the world, Istanbul Airport serves as a key link between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The cancellation of flights from Amman to Istanbul, a busy international route, could cause ripple effects throughout the airport, especially for connecting travelers.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), UAE: This airport, although not as widely known as Dubai International Airport, is still an important hub for international flights, especially for those traveling to and from the Middle East. Royal Jordanian’s cancellation of flights between Dubai and Amman will inconvenience passengers traveling through this airport, a significant gateway to the UAE.
The cancellation of these flights may have a ripple effect on local tourism in Jordan, Turkey and the UAE. Amman, Istanbul and Dubai all play pivotal roles in attracting international tourists to their respective countries. These travel interruptions could result in decreased tourist arrivals, especially for those who rely on Royal Jordanian flights for their journey.
Jordan: Amman, as the capital of Jordan, serves as the starting point for many tourists exploring the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea and other historical sites in the region. Travel disruptions could affect these tourists’ plans, reducing the influx of visitors to Jordan’s renowned tourist destinations.
Turkey: Istanbul is a city that is not only a popular tourism destination in Turkey but also a key transit hub for international travelers. Delays and cancellations affecting flights to and from Istanbul could lead to a reduction in travel to the country, especially as Turkish tourism sees a gradual recovery from global disruptions in recent years.
UAE: Dubai is a globally recognized tourism hub, attracting millions of visitors each year for its shopping, entertainment and cultural offerings. With the recent cancellations, there could be some impact on tourism, as travelers may choose other options due to the lack of direct flights with Royal Jordanian.
For passengers impacted by the cancellations and delays, it is recommended that they take the following actions:
Contact Royal Jordanian: Passengers should reach out to the airline directly to inquire about alternate flights, rebooking options and compensation for the cancellations.
Stay Updated: It is crucial to monitor flight statuses and check for any additional changes or updates on the airline’s website or through customer service.
Explore Alternative Routes: If rebooking on Royal Jordanian is not possible, passengers may consider other airlines or connecting flights via other airports.
Travel Insurance: Affected passengers should also check if their travel insurance covers cancellations or delays, allowing them to mitigate any additional financial losses.
In conclusion, the cancellations and delays by Royal Jordanian, as reported on FlightAware data, have caused travel disruptions between Amman, Istanbul and Dubai. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and consider alternate routes to mitigate the inconvenience caused by these unexpected interruptions.
Image credit- Royal Jordanian
