Aqaba’s ports system, along with the transport and logistics sector, recorded strong performance during the first quarter of 2026, driven by increased cargo handling—particularly in the energy sector—alongside growth in land transport and improved passenger movement, according to the Q1 2026 cargo and passenger movement report.
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The report, reviewed by Al Mamlaka, showed that total container handling increased by 10%, reaching 239,421 TEUs compared to 217,807 TEUs during the same period in 2025.
The New Aqaba Port recorded a 21% increase in cargo handling, reaching 1,293,757 tons compared to 1,064,928 tons in the first quarter of last year. This growth was driven by a 41% rise in grain imports, which reached 850,292 tons, in addition to a 37% increase in general cargo, totaling 104,864 tons.
In the energy sector, oil berth handling rose by 69% to 1,143,297 tons compared to 676,708 tons, due to increased demand for petroleum derivatives. Liquid bulk cargo also increased by 20%, reaching 1,978,085 tons compared to 1,644,764 tons.
On the other hand, some indicators declined, as phosphate handling dropped by 13% to 1,222,112 tons, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) handling decreased by 18% to 273,524 tons.
In land transport, the number of trucks increased by 10%, reaching approximately 259,000 trucks, indicating Aqaba’s growing role as a regional logistics hub and its stronger connectivity with neighboring markets.
Passenger traffic also recorded notable growth, with the total number of passengers through ports and the airport reaching 140,947 passengers, an increase of 31%. Passenger traffic through King Hussein International Airport rose by 59%, reaching 49,442 passengers.
Meanwhile, air cargo declined by 10%, reaching 80,821 tons compared to 89,591 tons during the same period last year. The number of ships also fell by 7%, reaching 642 vessels compared to 692 vessels.
Aqaba Development Corporation stated in its report that the Q1 2026 performance indicates that Aqaba’s ports have continued to demonstrate their ability to adapt to shifts in global and regional trade movements while maintaining balanced operational efficiency across various facilities.
The city recorded growth indicators in several operational sectors, most notably container movement and liquid cargo, alongside improvements in passenger traffic. It also played an important role in enhancing food and supply security, as grain handling witnessed significant growth driven by increased import demand and the need to support and sustain strategic reserves amid current global conditions, according to the corporation.
The company noted that Aqaba has continued strengthening its position as a regional logistics hub by stimulating transit movement and expanding the diversity of traded goods, benefiting from the partnership model in port management and operations, which has contributed to improving efficiency and service quality.
The report confirms the growing role of Aqaba as a strategic corridor for regional trade, alongside ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure and enhance operational flexibility to ensure sustainable growth in the transport and logistics sector.
Al Mamlaka
