Arkia flights from Jordan were canceled on Sunday due to obstacles imposed by Jordanian authorities, the airline announced.
Arkia said Jordanian authorities imposed an immediate policy change on Saturday, refusing approval for certain flights operated with European aircraft and forcing the airline to halt those flights as part of its alternative operations at Ben-Gurion Airport.
In addition, Jordanian authorities did not approve the operation of certain flights to several destinations in Europe and Bangkok, resulting in a complete suspension of activity from Jordan.
“Following the immediate and unexpected policy change, and in the absence of real-time regulatory approvals, flights scheduled to depart from Aqaba Airport are not authorized to operate. As a result, Arkia is forced to cancel flights from this airport until further notice,” the airline said.
Arkia announced last week that it would shift most of its operations to Taba, Egypt, and Aqaba, Jordan, from which it would continue operating international flights due to passenger restrictions at Ben-Gurion Airport. Some of the company’s activities in Jordan will now be transferred to Taba Airport, subject to operational capabilities and required approvals.
“Arkia is working with the relevant authorities in an attempt to resume operations as soon as possible and will continue to update its passengers regularly regarding flight statuses,” the company added.
Upcoming Arkia flights
The first flight to leave, R52451, is scheduled to depart at 14:30 local time to Larnaca, where passengers will connect to flight HFM591 to Bangkok, departing at 15:45.
Passengers on Arkia flight FL1217 from Aqaba to Athens will be transferred to Taba Airport. Buses and Arkia representatives are waiting for passengers at the terminal exit in Aqaba and will transport them to Taba Airport, from where the flight is expected to depart at 17:00.
Additionally, Arkia flight number FL1728 from Aqaba to Budapest has been canceled. Passengers who arrived at the airport will be transported back to the border crossing.
The Arkia flight from Aqaba to Rome, number FL1337, scheduled for 21:20, has also been canceled. These passengers have been requested not to arrive at the border crossing.