United Airlines is poised to resume its Washington Dulles to Amman, Jordan, route in late October, marking a return to service that was disrupted by escalating conflicts in the region, particularly the Israel-Palestine war. The carrier had suspended operations in late July 2024 due to heightened security concerns.
While the airline’s latest schedule update indicates a resumption of flights on October 28th, the date remains tentative and subject to potential delays based on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Questions persist about the long-term viability of the Amman route, particularly in light of the indefinite suspension of United flights to Tel Aviv.
Amman has historically been served by Royal Jordanian Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Notably, Delta operated a New York JFK to Amman route between 2008 and 2011, but the service struggled with low passenger numbers, achieving only 73% seat occupancy.
United’s Amman service, launched in May 2022, was part of a broader expansion strategy that included several other destinations like Bergen, Palma, and Tenerife South. The Dulles-Amman route, which operated three times weekly using Boeing 787-8 aircraft with 243 seats, marked United’s second Middle Eastern destination after Tel Aviv.
Data from 2019 highlights the significant demand for non-stop services between Amman and North America. Over 440,000 roundtrip passengers traveled between the two regions, with the majority relying on European hubs for connections. The Amman route catered to a diverse passenger base, including individuals visiting family and friends, a growing tourism sector (prior to the recent conflicts), and U.S. government-related travel.
Amman’s strategic location as a regional hub for travel to neighboring countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq further amplifies its importance as a destination. In 2019, approximately 30,000 passengers traveled directly between Washington D.C. and Amman, representing the largest unserved U.S. market from Jordan at the time. This high demand was reflected in the high ticket prices.
United’s Amman route heavily relied on transit passengers connecting through Dulles, making these travelers essential for the route’s success. Between May 2023 and May 2024, United carried around 58,000 roundtrip passengers between Dulles and Amman, achieving an average seat occupancy of 85%. However, point-to-point traffic constituted only 29% of the total, with the majority of passengers connecting to other U.S. destinations.
Tampa emerged as the top connecting city, followed by Raleigh-Durham, Detroit, New Orleans, and Chicago O’Hare. These cities boast significant populations with ties to the Levant region, making Amman a key destination for travelers from these areas.
United’s decision to resume flights to Amman reflects a commitment to serving the growing demand for travel between the U.S. and the Middle East, despite the ongoing challenges and uncertainties in the region. The airline’s ability to maintain consistent service on this route will be closely watched as an indicator of the overall stability and recovery of the region’s aviation sector.
