Budget travellers in Central Europe just got a cheaper route to Petra. Wizz Air and the Jordan Tourism Board have signed a renewed cooperation agreement, and the first tangible result is the return of direct flights between Budapest and Amman from 22 September 2026.
The Hungarian capital link is only the opening move. Both sides describe the deal as the start of a broader programme, with additional routes to Amman and the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba expected to be rolled out as the partnership develops. Alongside route planning, the agreement includes joint marketing aimed at promoting Jordan across Wizz Air's extensive European network.
The timing matters. Regional geopolitical tensions have dented travel sentiment across the Middle East, and Jordan's tourism sector — one of the country's key economic pillars — has felt the pressure. Jordan's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr Emad Hijazeen, framed the airline's return as a signal to European markets that the kingdom remains a safe and welcoming destination. Jordan Tourism Board managing director Ramzi Maaytah went further, saying the focus is not just on restoring what was lost but on rebuilding stronger and diversifying source markets.
For Wizz Air, whose chief executive József Váradi called Jordan an important destination in the carrier's network, the deal provides a platform to rebuild its Jordanian presence gradually. The airline is one of Europe's largest low-cost operators, so its involvement typically means competitive fares and accessible pricing for travellers who might otherwise skip the region.
Why should this be on your radar? Direct budget flights to Amman put several of the world's most spectacular sights within easy reach: the rock-cut city of Petra, the desert valleys of Wadi Rum, the floating waters of the Dead Sea, diving in Aqaba, and the restaurants and Roman ruins of Amman itself. With low-cost connectivity, a week in Jordan can cost a fraction of what a similar trip might have a few years ago — and the country positions itself as a year-round option, with cooler months ideal for desert hiking and shoulder seasons offering good value.
If you've been putting off a Middle East trip because of uncertainty around the region, this partnership is a reasonable barometer of confidence. Airlines don't commit to long-term route development in destinations they expect to struggle, and both parties have publicly emphasised sustainability and performance-driven cooperation rather than short-term subsidised flying.
No fares have been announced yet for the restarted Budapest service, but Wizz Air's model usually means booking early pays off. Watch this space for additional routes as the agreement expands beyond its first step.
