Amman Queen Alia Intl Airport (AMM) Flights & Flight Status

Queen Alia International Airport or Amman Airport (AMM), is one of two international airports serving the country of Jordan. The other airport, King Hussein International, is located near the southernmost city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. For many people traveling to Jordan, AMM will be the most convenient option. It’s located about 40 minutes south of Amman, the country’s capital. Amman Airport is compact and easy to navigate. The airport’s only challenge is handling crowds during the check-in and security process, but these tips will help you have a smooth and comfortable experience.

Terminal info

Amman Airport has one terminal. Departures are on the upper level and arrivals are on the lower. Redesigned by Foster + Partners about a decade ago, it’s an airy, light-filled building, where I particularly enjoy the vaulted ceilings at the gates area post-security. This airport has never felt crowded to me except for check-in and security (more on this below).

Upon landing at AMM, you’ll be guided by a series of easy-to-follow signs to get your visa on arrival, go through immigration, then take an escalator down into the arrivals hall to claim your luggage. I’ve never seen people waiting long to get their visas, so expect this process to take 20 – 30 minutes at most.

If you plan to visit Petra, one of Jordan’s most important sites, a government-issued Jordan Pass will save you about 20% on visa and tickets to Petra. You can get the pass, which includes access to over 40 other tourist attractions like the desert of Wadi Rum and the Roman city of Jerash, online prior to arriving.

I travel with a carry-on, but sometimes, I come to Jordan with friends who have checked bags. There are 6 baggage carousels at the arrival hall and we never had to wait too long for bags. Just before exiting the baggage claim area, all your bags might be taken through a security screening machine, although sometimes the personnel lets you pass without screening.

Navigating check-in and security

In my experience, the only dent in the overall great experience at AMM is check-in and security. Flights depart from Amman 24 hours a day, but the airport is relatively empty late at night and in early mornings. Peak hours tend to be late mornings through afternoons, when the airline counters have many people waiting to check in.

Check-in process

Online check-in is not available for all airlines, which means that you might need to check in at the counter. This process can take an hour or longer. Check if online check-in is available as soon as it opens so you can give yourself enough time at the airport. There are 2 check-in halls – A and B. The information board at the center of the terminal will direct you.

If you’re flying certain classes like business or have airline status (for example, oneworld alliance Ruby), you’ll be able to use priority check-in and security. At AMM, it’s a separate Departures entrance at Door 1. You’ll go through a dedicated check-in counter, immigration and security in about 10-15 minutes.

Security screening

For general departures, you’ll need to take all bags through security upon entering the terminal. Once checked in, you’ll go through passport control and the main security screening. I’m a fan of Tikram fast track service that you can purchase at the well-marked desk to the left of passport control lines. For a cost of about 2 cups of coffee, you’ll zip through immigration and security, avoiding peak-hour delays.

Post-security, you may need to go through additional gate screening, especially if you’re flying to North America. Confirm this at your gate to avoid making my mistake: relaxing at a coffee shop and coming to the gate at the last minute, only to see a large queue of people waiting to go through security before boarding my US-bound flight.

Getting to and from the airport by car

There are 2 main ways to get from the airport into Amman: by public bus or by a taxi and rideshare. Booking a car would be a faster ride, traffic-permitting, and that’s what I usually do. There’s also an option to book a private transfer, but it’s more expensive than both taxi and rideshare, so I tend to skip it.

In the city, taxis often cost less than Careem, the predominant rideshare app in the region, if you know your way around and can negotiate with the drivers. If you don’t, I recommend using Careem, because it shows the fare at the time of booking and usually costs a few dinars more than a taxi, at most.

The airport is the only exception: when you book a ride from the airport into the city, rideshare will cost about 1.5 times more than taxi, which is a fixed cost. When you’re booking a ride from the city back to the airport, prices are about the same. Because of this, I usually book a taxi from the airport into the city and use Careem on the way back.

On your way out, there may be people trying to solicit rides. It’s best to stick to the official airport taxi, because the cost is fixed. The taxi stand is located outside Exit 1 at the arrivals level; it’s easy to see. Here, you can order your taxi and pay at the stand with cash or credit. The free Wi-Fi and bottled water inside vehicles is a nice perk.

Considering renting a car? You’ll find brands like Avis and Budget on your right side at the arrivals level. I recommend waiting to rent a car once you’re settled in Amman. The rush-hour traffic is a hassle, especially if you’re coming in tired after a long flight. If you’re going elsewhere in Jordan directly from the airport, then rental car is a good option; book ahead for best rates.

Public transport

To get to and from the city, you can also take the Sariyah shuttle bus which will cost a fraction of a taxi or Careem ride. The bus counter is located outside the arrivals hall and you can purchase the ticket there or from a driver directly, cash only. The bus departs every 30 minutes in peak times (from 8 am to 6pm), hourly otherwise.

Keep in mind that the bus does not go into the city center of Amman, where most travelers stay. The closest it gets is the Fourth Circle stop, where you would need to take a cab or Careem to get to your final destination. The bus will also have a longer commute as it stops at a number of spots along the way.

AMM Lounges

Amman Airport has 3 lounges. The Marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge and the Crown Lounge by Royal Jordanian are located above Duty Free right after security. (Look for lounge signs to guide you.) The third one, called Petra Lounge, is located on the north side of the terminal by Gate 208.

If you have Priority Pass, a lounge network perk that comes with many major US credit cards, you’ll get access to all 3 lounges at AMM, capacity-permitting. I wouldn’t waste time on the Petra Lounge, as it’s the least attractive option with low ceilings, few windows, and a small size.

The remaining 2 lounges are comparable in size, amenities, and the level of comfort. Because they’re located directly above duty free on the mezzanine level, both lounges feature high ceilings, top-to-bottom windows, good light and ample space. If you don’t have Priority Pass, choosing one comes down to access.

The Crown Lounge is open to Royal Jordanian business class passengers and certain status holders like oneworld Sapphire and above. You can also purchase a 3-hour pass for a fee comparable to what other lounges charge around the world.

For a slightly higher fee, the Marhaba Lounge is open to all international travelers. Certain credit card holders, like American Express Platinum, will be able to access this lounge for free through their partnership with Plaza Premium. Check at the counter to see if your card or pass network applies. This lounge is the newest one at the airport, and it may be worth checking out for this reason alone.

Things to do at the airport

If you don’t have lounge passes or simply don’t want to spend extra money on lounges, Amman Airport is the one to be at. There are plenty of cafes and seating options by the gate areas to feel comfortable before your departure.

My favorite spots at AMM include the Blue Fig coffee shop near Gate 214, the nearby Wild Jordan store with artisanal local products and the Zalatimo Brothers For Sweets stand at the food court where you can pick up a tin box of iconic Jordanian sweets.

Amman airport offers free Wi-Fi although it’s not always reliable. Upon arrival, I use my T-Mobile plan with international service included and get a local sim card through operators like Zain or Umniah, which have booths at the arrivals hall.