As service on United Airlines between Washington Dulles and Amman remains suspended, Royal Jordanian has cheekily announced that it will launch service to Washington, DC.
Royal Jordanian Plans Add Nonstop Service Between Amman – Washington, Challenging United Airlines
In a social media ad teasing the new route, an almost Jimmy Hendrix version of the National Anthem begins to play in the background with the following message:
- A red MAGA-style hat is embroidered with the text “He is back!”
- Next, RJ shares “And we’re taking you right to the middle of the action!”
- Then, a message saying “Fly Non-Stop to Washington D.C.” with emphasis on nonstop
- The final page says “Stay tuned!”
.@RoyalJordanian looks to be adding service to Washington with a rather interesting Instagram teaser. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/lA8TGQsV0d
— Ryan Ewing (@FlyingHighRyan) November 12, 2024
A bit unorthodox of a route announcement, but it sounds like RJ will be flying from AMM-IAD nonstop…
That’s news not only for the route itself but because it represents a direct challenge to United Airlines, which operated its own nonstop service between the two capitals until war broke out between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
Since then, United has not only “temporarily” suspended the route, but removed it completely from the schedule, thereby suggesting that the route will not return anytime soon. Even so, United has suggested the route will return:
Our flights to AMM remain suspended and have been fully removed from our schedule until further notice.
We look forward to resuming flights as soon as it’s safe for our customers and crew.
> Read More: United Airlines Suspends Amman Service Through End Of Schedule
Will the addition of the RJ flight on the same route make United more willing to bring back the route or less willing? My guess is more…United does not like competition of that nature and I can see a fare war developing, which only consumers benefit from, at least on a short-term basis.
My contacts in Jordan tell me the country’s tourism industry is telling right now, making it an ideal time to visit the Hashemite Kingdom. It’s a beautiful country with delicious cuisine and I would not hesitate to recommend a trip there, even with the geopolitical uncertainty present in the region.
CONCLUSION
While United Airlines has removed its Washington – Amman flight from the schedule, Royal Jordanian has hinted it will fill the void with nonstop service of it own. I welcome any competition and more access to Jordan, one of my favorite nations to visit.
(hat tip: OMAAT)
