Here at Marka Airport Gate, stories whisper on the wind. This is more than just an entry point. It’s a portal to Amman’s aviation history.
Marka Airport Gate stands as a threshold to a place that was once Jordan’s main air hub. Imagine the excitement back in 1950. The British founded this airport. It was both a military and civilian airfield.
The Royal Air Force used Marka Airport extensively. Many squadrons called this place home. Names like No. 6 Squadron RAF and No. 249 Squadron RAF evoke images of classic aircraft and daring pilots.
For decades, Marka International Airport was the gateway to Jordan. Travelers from around the world arrived here. This was before Queen Alia International Airport opened in 1983. After that, things changed. Scheduled commercial flights ceased.
But Marka Airport didn’t fade away. Instead, it reinvented itself. It became Amman’s main airport for general aviation. Think private planes and chartered flights. About 70% of Jordan’s charter and private flights still use this airport.
Marka Airport Gate is a key part of an aviation education and training hub. Aspiring pilots learn their craft here. The airport also handles freight operations. Jordan International Air Cargo has its home base here.
In 2009, the Jordan Airports Company took over managing Marka Airport. They developed a master plan. Since 2012, several projects have modernized the airport’s infrastructure. The VIP Lounge was renovated in 2012. It now offers exceptional services.
The airport entrance was refurbished in 2013. The arrivals terminal saw rehabilitation and expansion of duty-free shops in 2015. These improvements enhanced the airport’s image and accessibility.
This airport has seen its share of drama. Accidents and incidents mark its history. In 1956, a Jordan International Airlines plane crashed. In 1959, an Air Jordan flight crashed due to adverse weather. In 1973, an Aeroflot plane overshot the runway. In 1977, an Arab Wings Learjet crashed during takeoff. In 2006, a Royal Jordanian Air Academy plane stalled. These events remind us of the risks involved in aviation.
Today, Marka Airport is operational 24 hours a day. It is equipped to handle 1.5 million passengers per year. The Jordan Airports Company headquarters is also located here.
So, as you pass through Marka Airport Gate, remember its rich history. From military base to commercial hub to aviation training center, this airport has played many roles. It continues to serve Amman and Jordan.