The Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan was expanded and renovated as part of efforts of the Jordanian Government to improve tourism and promote Jordan as a travel hub. The project encountered a range of challenges relating to the initial design, as well as the challenges associated with the expansion of an operational airport. The scope changes in the project required a renegotiation of the PPP contract, resulting in a financial contribution from the Procuring Authority, which was complemented by higher than expected traffic volumes and associated project revenue.
The project also highlights how a dedicated project team helps protect the project from ongoing political changes, and how continuity of knowledge is secured through retention of key staff. The project is a good example to highlight the importance of involving end users at an early stage and the challenges in changing the workforce culture, from public to private service delivery.