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Title: Hybrid resilience in conflict zones: lessons from Aqaba port

Authors: Raouf Ali Al-Rjoub; Omar Yaseen Mahmoud Khodirat

Addresses: Financial & Administrative Sciences Department, Al-Huson University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Huson, Jordan ' Financial & Administrative Sciences Department, Al-Huson University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Huson, Jordan

Abstract: This study analysed how Aqaba Port maintained operational continuity amid the Red Sea crisis, serving as a significant case study in the management of public sector performance in conflict-affected contexts. This documentary study integrates quantitative port performance metrics and qualitative assessments of governance adaptability in relation to UNCTAD's resilience pillars. Reactivation of the Syrian land corridor, digitalisation of customs, and selective financial incentives-maintained throughput levels despite a 57% decrease in vessel calls and significant cost inflation, achieving 6.36% year-over-year growth by May 2025. Hybrid resilience, which combines anticipatory governance and infrastructure scalability, is essential for service delivery during geopolitical disruption. This study demonstrates how institutional agility transforms crisis susceptibility into strategic advantage and recognises corridor dependency as a structural risk in public sector efficacy.

Keywords: conflict-zone logistics; hybrid resilience; public sector performance; red sea crisis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.155819

International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management, 2026 Vol.18 No.5, pp.1 - 25

Received: 11 Aug 2025
Accepted: 24 Feb 2026
Published online: 14 Aug 2026 *