Jordan denies evacuating Aqaba airport and seaport

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the security status of Aqaba, Jordan, on Sunday, July 19th, 2026. The U.S. Embassy in Amman posted a security alert on Facebook, stating that Jordanian authorities had evacuated the international airport and seaport in Aqaba due to a "specific and credible threat." The embassy strongly advised all Americans to refrain from traveling to these locations and to follow Jordanian security directives.

However, these claims were swiftly denied by Jordanian sources speaking to Al-Mamlaka TV. These sources confirmed that reports of an evacuation or closure of King Hussein International Airport and the seaport in Aqaba Governorate were false. They asserted that both the airport and the port were operating normally and without any interruption.

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Due to a specific and credible threat, Jordanian authorities evacuated the international airport and seaport in Aqaba. We strongly advise all Americans to refrain traveling to either the airport or seaport. Continue to follow all Jordanian authorities’ security directives.

Further solidifying the denial, Mahmoud Khleifat, Director General of Aqaba Ports Management and Operation Company, told Al-Mamlaka that "there is no suspension of any of the handling operations at the port." He confirmed that work at the seaport was proceeding as usual, with no evacuation or work stoppage occurring. The U.S. Embassy's alert also included advice for Americans to avoid travel to military bases in Jordan.

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there is no suspension of any of the handling operations at the port