Royal Jordanian Airlines has launched a new direct service between Abu Dhabi and the Jordanian Red Sea city of Aqaba, giving travellers in the UAE easier access to the ancient city of Petra, the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, and other destinations in southern Jordan, Gulf News reported.

The airline will operate two weekly flights on the new route, adding to its existing network of services between the UAE and Jordan.

With the addition, Royal Jordanian now operates close to 40 direct flights a week between the two countries. This includes 21 weekly flights between Dubai and the Jordanian capital, Amman, seven between Sharjah and Amman, and nine between Abu Dhabi and Amman, according to the report.

The new Aqaba route allows passengers to reach southern Jordan directly, without connecting through Amman. Aqaba, located on the Red Sea, forms part of what is known as Jordan's "Golden Triangle," along with Petra—the historic rock-cut city famous for its ancient tombs and temples—and Wadi Rum, a vast desert valley known for its dramatic rock formations. Aqaba is also one of Jordan's main Red Sea tourism destinations.

The airline announced the new route at an event in Dubai, where it also launched ExploRJordan, a tourism campaign promoting destinations and experiences across the country, including Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Amman, alongside Aqaba. Through the campaign, the airline is seeking to encourage visitors to explore beyond Jordan's traditional tourist sites, the report said.

Source: Gulf News