Royal Jordanian Reports Improved Operational Performance During the First Half of 2026

alwakaai news- The Board of Directors of Royal Jordanian Airlines approved the company's financial results for the first half of 2026, under the chairmanship of Said Darwazah, following their review by the appointed external auditor. The results showed an improvement in the company's operations and operational performance indicators, while Royal Jordanian continued implementing its strategy to modernize its fleet, expand its route network, enhance its service standards, and improve the on-time performance of its flights.

Royal Jordanian's financial results for the first half of 2026 showed a net profit of JOD 1.4 million, compared with a net profit of JOD 12.7 million during the corresponding period of 2025. The company's revenues increased by JOD 86 million, representing a 23% increase compared with the same period last year, driven by higher operating activity and the expansion of the airline's route network. Meanwhile, operating costs increased by JOD 69.5 million as a result of higher operational activity and rising fuel prices. Fuel costs alone accounted for nearly half of the increase in operating expenses, rising by JOD 33 million, or 37%, due to the global increase in fuel prices. Financing costs also increased significantly by JOD 18 million, mainly due to higher interest rates on aircraft lease obligations, while the company's share of profits from its subsidiary company declined by JOD 6 million.

Royal Jordanian carried approximately 1.984 million passengers during the first half of the current year, representing a 5% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Meanwhile, the seat load factor stood at 71.8%, down 8.6 percentage points compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

The company also operated 19,066 flights, totaling 60,443 flight hours, representing increases of 14% in the number of flights and 19% in flight hours compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Air cargo volumes also increased by 36% to reach 21,460 tons.

In this context, the Vice Chairman / CEO of Royal Jordanian, Samer Majali, commended the government's decision to continue covering part of the increase in fuel costs, in line with the support provided to other sectors across the Kingdom. He affirmed that this support helped mitigate the impact of global fuel price increases on the national carrier and enabled the company to maintain positive financial and operational results despite the exceptional circumstances witnessed across the region.

Majali noted that the company's financial and operational performance remains below the targets set out in the 2026 budget due to the exceptional geopolitical developments witnessed across the region and their resulting direct and indirect impact on the aviation sector.

Majali affirmed that the developments witnessed across the region, particularly the military escalation between the United States and Iran and the repeated closures of airspace that followed, had a direct impact on the company's results. Demand for travel to the Kingdom declined, tourism activity slowed, and reliance on transit passengers increased. Revenues from the company's supporting business units, particularly ground handling, the cargo terminal, and technical and maintenance services, were also affected as a result of reduced operations by several regional and international airlines to the Kingdom. He added that the company also faced the repercussions of the sharp increase in global fuel prices. In addition, the company was compelled to temporarily suspend certain flights, introduce operational adjustments to other flight schedules, and reroute a number of flights through alternative air corridors due to the closure of airspace in certain countries. This resulted in longer flight times, higher fuel consumption, increased operating costs, and additional insurance costs.

Majali pointed out that Royal Jordanian's continued fulfilment of its national mission throughout these exceptional circumstances would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of the Jordan Armed Forces, the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC), and the relevant authorities in safeguarding Jordan's airspace and ensuring the safety and continuity of its operations. This enabled Royal Jordanian to continue operating its flights and maintain Jordan's connectivity with the world at a time when many regional and international airlines suspended or reduced their services to the Kingdom and the region, reaffirming its role as the national carrier with a responsibility that extends beyond commercial considerations to serving the nation and its passengers.

Majali explained that Royal Jordanian has demonstrated its ability to adapt to changes and operational challenges in a balanced and sustainable manner. During the first half of 2026, the company continued implementing its expansion plans through the launch of new destinations across its route network, including Misrata, Munich, Hamburg, Sharjah, Alexandria, Dallas, Vienna, and Tashkent. This forms part of the company's strategy to strengthen air connectivity between Jordan and regional and international markets, provide passengers with broader travel options, support tourism and trade, and reinforce Royal Jordanian's position on the global aviation map.

Regarding fleet modernization, Majali said that Royal Jordanian took delivery of 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. This brings the total number of new aircraft added to the fleet over the past twelve months to 19, making Royal Jordanian's fleet one of the youngest in the region.

Majali affirmed that Royal Jordanian continued fulfilling its national role alongside its economic and commercial responsibilities during the first half of the year by supporting a number of national initiatives. Foremost among these was its support for Jordan's national football team in its international participation, reflecting the airline's commitment to supporting national achievements and strengthening Jordan's presence on the international stage. The company also operated a relief flight to the Republic of Venezuela, transporting the Jordanian Search and Rescue Team of the Public Security Directorate / Civil Defense Directorate, together with its equipment and relief supplies, in implementation of the Royal directives to assist in responding to the earthquake that struck Venezuela. In addition, Royal Jordanian continued coordinating with the relevant authorities to facilitate the transportation of Jordanian citizens and foreign nationals stranded in crisis-affected areas around the world.

Majali pointed out that the air cargo sector represents one of the main pillars supporting the national economy. He noted that the development of cargo operations contributes to facilitating the movement of goods and connecting Jordan efficiently and swiftly with various markets, thereby supporting supply chains, strengthening national exports, and leveraging Jordan's strategic geographic location as a regional and international logistics hub. This has prompted Royal Jordanian to invest JOD 30 million in the expansion and modernization of the air cargo terminal at Queen Alia International Airport.

Majali concluded by affirming that the company will continue closely monitoring regional developments and taking the necessary operational measures to respond to changing circumstances, ensuring the continuity of its operations, maintaining its financial and operational stability, and achieving its strategic objectives.