Ammon News - The Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ)recorded an improvement in its operational performance indicators during the first half of 2026, while continuing to implement its strategy focused on fleet renewal, expanding its air network, improving services and enhancing flight schedule performance.

The company’s Board of Directors, chaired by Saeed Darwazah, approved the financial results for the first half of 2026 after they were reviewed by the company’s accredited external auditor.

The RJ reported a net profit of JD 1.4 million during the first half of 2026, compared with a net profit of JD 12.7 million during the same period in 2025. The company’s revenues increased by JD 86 million, or 23%, compared with the same period last year, driven by higher operational activity and the expansion of its destinations network.

Operating costs, meanwhile, increased by JD 69.5 million due to the growth in operations and higher fuel prices. Fuel costs accounted for nearly half of the increase in operating expenses, rising by JD 33 million, or 37%, affected by global fuel price increases. Financing costs increased by JD 18 million, mainly due to higher interest expenses related to aircraft lease obligations, while the company’s share of profits from an affiliated company decreased by JD 6 million.

During the first half of the year, Royal Jordanian transported around 1.984 million passengers, recording a 5% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The seat load factor reached 71.8%, down by 8.6 percentage points.

The company operated 19,066 flights with a total of 60,443 flight hours, marking growth of 14% in the number of flights and 19% in flight hours compared with the same period last year. Cargo volumes increased by 36% to reach 21,460 tonnes.

RJ Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Samer Al Majali valued the government’s decision to continue covering part of the increase in fuel prices, similar to support provided to other sectors in the Kingdom. He said the measure helped reduce the impact of global fuel price increases on the national carrier and contributed to maintaining positive financial and operational results despite regional conditions.

Al Majali said the company’s financial and operational performance remains below the levels targeted in the 2026 budget due to exceptional geopolitical developments in the region and their direct and indirect effects on the aviation sector.

He explained that regional developments, including the military escalation between the United States and Iran and the repeated closure of airspace, affected the company’s results through lower demand for travel to Jordan, reduced tourism activity and increased reliance on transit passengers.

Revenues from supporting services, including ground handling, air cargo operations, and technical and maintenance services, were also affected by the decline in operations of several regional and international airlines to Jordan.

Al Majali said the company also faced the impact of higher global fuel prices and made operational adjustments, including temporarily suspending some flights, modifying schedules and rerouting some flights through alternative routes due to airspace closures in certain countries. These measures resulted in longer flight times, increased fuel consumption and higher operating costs, in addition to additional insurance fees.

He noted that Royal Jordanian was able to continue its operations during these circumstances due to the efforts of the Jordan Armed Forces, the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission and relevant authorities in maintaining the safety and continuity of Jordanian airspace. This enabled the airline to continue connecting Jordan with international destinations while several airlines suspended operations to Jordan and the region.

Al Majali said the company continued implementing its expansion plans during the first half of 2026 by adding new destinations to its network, including Misrata, Munich, Hamburg, Sharjah, Alexandria, Dallas, Vienna and Tashkent in Uzbekistan. He said the expansion aims to strengthen air connectivity between Jordan and regional and international markets, provide additional travel options, and support tourism and trade activity.

Regarding fleet modernization, Al Majali said RJ received seven new aircraft during the period, including two Boeing 787-9 aircraft for long-haul routes, four Airbus A320neo aircraft for medium-haul routes, and one Embraer aircraft for short-haul routes. He added that the company received 19 new aircraft over the past 12 months, contributing to the renewal of its fleet.

He also highlighted Royal Jordanian’s continued national role alongside its economic and commercial activities, including supporting national initiatives such as the Jordanian football team’s international participation.

The airline also operated a relief flight to Venezuela, transporting the Jordanian International Search and Rescue Team affiliated with the Public Security Directorate/Civil Defence, along with equipment and relief supplies, following the earthquake that struck Venezuela and in response to royal directives.

RJ continued coordinating with official authorities to assist in transporting Jordanian citizens and stranded passengers from crisis areas around the world.

Al Majali said air cargo is an important part of supporting the national economy, noting that developing cargo operations helps facilitate the movement of goods, strengthen supply chains and support national exports. He added that the company is investing JD 30 million in expanding and modernizing the air cargo building at Queen Alia International Airport.

He affirmed that the RJ continues to monitor regional developments and implement the necessary operational measures to maintain business continuity, financial and operational stability, and achieve the company’s strategic objectives.