I’ve always felt that the air-conditioned sanctuary of Terminal 2 Airport is one of the few places where the chaos of “Aamchi Mumbai” transforms into something more hopeful. And every time I see the long line of airline counters with people clutching their passports filled with pages of dreams, I feel a sudden spark of shared excitement and adrenaline.

This time, my eyes were scanning for the crown logo of the Royal Jordanian desk. I was ready to swap the humid hustle of my city for the ancient sandstones of Petra.

Little did I know how much this one trip was going to change my life.

The Royal Experience at 30,000 feet

Royal Jordanian’s business class is called Crown Class and is certainly designed to make one feel royal while being surrounded by clouds. First, I noticed the blanket and sighed with relief- no need to dig out my hoodie now.

Then, I noticed the seats, though not fully flat, they were incredibly plush. I could stretch my legs, adjust the recline to a lazy angle, and best of all, I didn’t have to fight the person next to me for the armrest. Before we even took off, a flight attendant approached with a traditional brass dallah (a long-beaked coffee pot), pouring a steaming cup of Arabic coffee. The small cup of cardamom-spiced coffee was my first step into the journey to Jordan.

Once we were soaring, we were offered the food and drinks menu. I was pleasantly surprised to see dosa for breakfast, along with crepes and chicken sausage options. The drinks selection was even more impressive- they had everything from whiskey and wine to a full list of cocktails and sodas. I decided to lean into my comfort food, especially since I knew I wouldn’t be getting it for the next seven days. I do think it was quite rebellious to pair a masala dosa and idli with a Vodka cocktail when flying over the sea.

The plate came as quite a spread, served with a side of cheese, fresh fruits, and bread. As we ate, we chased the first rays of sunshine and enjoyed the in-flight entertainment. There were plenty of movies to choose from, but I found myself starting an episode of The Office, because watching Jim prank Dwight is the ultimate remedy for any flight fatigue.

The Unexpected Setback

Jordan is stunning! You spend your days wandering through ancient Roman ruins, floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, and eating the best hummus of your life! But my return journey was shadowed by the sudden tensions in the Middle East.

The war was unexpected. Flights began getting delayed. Then cancelled. Screens at the airport started changing. It is kind of hard to explain that unnerving fear when you look at the news and start to wonder exactly when you’ll get back home. It’s worse when you’re trying to stay calm, but your mind keeps conjuring the scariest possibilities. The “what ifs” really start to gnaw at you.

Thankfully, the locals were incredibly supportive, constantly assuring us and being the calm voice of reason in the rising chaos. And while most airlines had suspended or disrupted operations, Royal Jordanian was still flying. And for that, we were all grateful.

The Queen Alia Sanctuary

Before boarding the flight back home, I spent my time at the Crown Lounge in Queen Alia International Airport. The lounge is massive, designed with high ceilings, an open-plan layout, and countless seats to rest. You can actually stretch your legs and catch some real sleep without worrying about your bags or the long journey ahead.

I have to talk about the pizza! It sounds mundane, but the fresh, thin-crust cheese pizza was a blessing to my taste buds and my stomach. I ate about 5 slices before I forced myself to stop and get a drink of Baileys.

Beyond the pizza, there was a massive buffet with a variety of dishes, salads, breads, and desserts. Drinks from hot Arabic coffee to cold sodas and spirits. Charging points everywhere. Packets of local chips. And soft-serve ice cream – because ice cream makes everything better! The lounge also has library nooks, prayer rooms, and a dedicated play area for kids.

This was the perfect way to end a beautiful yet troublous trip.

How to enter: If you’re flying Crown Class (Business), you’re in. If you’re in Economy, you can still enter using select credit cards, or through Oneworld frequent flyer status, or by simply purchasing a day pass at the door. I’d say it’s worth every penny.

The Long Way Home

The flight back was longer than expected. Due to the closure of some airspaces, we couldn’t fly the direct route. We had to take a detour through the Arabian Sea to stay in safe skies.

But that didn’t deter the Royal Jordanian service. The crew kept the drinks flowing and the food coming, almost like they knew we needed the distraction. With a gin and tonic in one hand, I stared out the window as the lights of Jordan faded into the dark expanse below. I whispered a promise – I’ll be back soon.

In the red-eye flight, I could hear hushed voices everywhere—strangers leaning across the aisles to share their stories. We talked about where we’d been, what the beauty of Jordan meant to us, and the shared relief of finally being on a plane that was moving toward home. After all, there’s a strange bond that forms between travellers who are navigating the world of uncertainty together.

At one point, I found myself in conversation with one of the air hostesses. We spoke about her travel experiences, the places she had seen, and the challenges of working during such a tense time. And these are the small, genuine bonds that make a journey memorable.

It’s not just the seat or the food or the screen in front of you—though all of that does matter. It’s the crew, the warmth, the smile, the comfort, and more importantly, the kindness they show when the world outside seems to be unravelling on itself.

And somehow, this hospitality made the flight feel shorter. Safer.

Touchdown Mumbai

When the wheels finally touched down in Mumbai, a collective sigh of relief rippled through the cabin, quickly followed by claps and cheers. I smiled and stood, stretching my arms and rolling my shoulders. That heavy weight of “what if” finally evaporated.

I walked out of T2, back into the busy streets of Mumbai. Even at 3 AM, cars were honking, and people were rushing by. I glanced down at the boarding pass still in my hand…and then up at the black starry sky.

One day, I’ll fly the same sky again to a country that showed me resilience, beauty, and ancient wonders.