Second expansion phase of QAIA gets underway

The Airport International Group (AIG) has launched the second phase of Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) expansion project, as reported by Jordan News Agency. The second phase, expected to be completed by 2017 at a cost of more than IS$100 million, will increase the facility’s capacity to around 12 million passengers annually. The airport’s new 103,000-square-metre terminal opened in March last year. The current facility can handle 9 m passengers annually under the first phase, compared with the old terminal’s 3.5 m passenger capacity, according to AIG. The number of gates will be developed gradually to meet demand towards the 12 m passenger target. In the terminal’s first phase, seven new contact stands and one temporary remote boarding lounge came into operation, serving seven million passengers. Under a build, operate and transfer deal signed with AIG in 2007, the government will gain ownership of the airport after 25 years, and will receive 54.4% of revenues for the first six years and 54.6% of gross revenues for remainder of the term. Source: Travel Daily