Queen Alia International Airport recorded the highest number of passengers in one month for 35 years in January 2018.

The airport welcomed more than 620,000 passengers, according to a statement released by the Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian company responsible for the operation of Queen Alia International Airport.

The improved figures indicate an 8.2 percent increase compared to the same month last year.

Although number of passengers increased, aircraft movements recorded a slight drop in January 2018 where 5,672 aircraft movements were recorded, comparing to 5,819 movements in January 2017.

Additionally, cargo containers’ movement witnessed an increase by 14.8 percent, recording 8,074 tonnes comparing to 7,036 tonnes were recorded in January 2017.

“We are looking forward to make 2018 a year of achievement to be added to our track record. We are working on implementing several strategies to improve our services and enhance our operations; considering the importance of Queen Alia airport as the main gateway for Jordan to the world,” the AIG’s CEO, Kjeld Binger said.

The tourism sector in Jordan has seen a a 9.9% growth during January 2018, in comparison to the same period of last year, according to figures released by the Minister of Antiquities, Lina Annab.

Figures showed that the number of day-trippers increased by 19 percent, on the other hand, the number of overnight tourists rose by 8.5 percent. This comes as no surprise as tourist attractions such as Petra and Wadi Rum have witnessed an increase of over 30 percent in visitors in January.