Queen Alia Airport is set to begin operation of a new state of the art terminal 21 March 2013. The new terminal forecasts to increase the airport’s capacity to nine million annual passengers. The launch of the terminal, estimated to worth US$ 750 million, is part of the Jordanian government’s initiative to drive tourism revenue by 2015.
The famous architect Sir Norman Foster has designed the 103,000 sqm new terminal. The Bedouin tents have inspired the roof of the terminal. The main purpose is to enable passengers easy access to boarding lounges and shopping zones directly from the security checkpoint.
Along with a new baggage handling system in the airport, the Jordanian government aims to develop a transit hub for stop over tourists.
Queen Alia Airport, which is located 20 miles from the capital city Amman, is the largest airport in Jordan. At present, there are two passenger terminals along with 44 partner airlines operating 1,220 flights weekly.