Proving you don’t have to be a multi-billion dollar aviation mega hub to offer passengers a first-rate travel experience, QAIA has just been voted the best airport in the Middle East in the latest Airport Service Quality Awards.

QAIA triumphed over the likes of Qatar’s Hamad International Airport in the awards, which are based on passenger satisfaction ratings collected throughout the year for the closely-watched Airport Service Quality Survey.

Each year, over half a million passengers are interviewed for the survey, which covers around 30 key service areas, such as check-in, security, airport facilities, and food and beverages.

QAIA also won the award for the regional airport which improved the most in terms of service quality between 2013 and 2014.

QAIA has risen quickly up the rankings of the Airport Service Quality Survey since its management was taken over by the Airport International Group (AIG) in 2007.

“It is truly gratifying to see that our dedication and progress have been recognized by such a prestigious global accolade, which celebrates the commitment of airports worldwide to continuously improve passenger experience,” said AIG CEO Kjeld Binger. “This unprecedented achievement is a great honor for us as we continue to work towards setting QAIA as a sustainable pillar in Jordan’s prosperity and as a source of pride for all Jordanians.”

QAIA handled over 7 million passengers in 2014, up 9 percent on the previous year. The airport terminal building is currently being expanded to boost its annual passenger capacity to 12 million after 2016 and to 16 million by 2032.

The airport has come a long way since its old terminal was voted one of the worst 10 in the world in early 2012 by Frommer’s travel website.