More than 1.4 million passengers were served through the UAE's airports between March 1 and 12, said the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
As many as 7,839 air traffic movements were recorded in UAE airspace during the period, reflecting the success of ongoing efforts to gradually and systematically restore air traffic operations, GCAA officials said.
Air traffic in the country is witnessing a gradual return to its normal operational levels, following the country’s successful and professional management of the exceptional circumstances witnessed in the region during the recent period, GCAA said.
Officials said UAE national carriers have begun restoring a significant portion of their operations, with the total operational activity of UAE national carriers reaching 44.6% of the overall operational levels that existed before the current tensions.
This was achieved through carefully planned operational and regulatory measures that ensured passenger safety while maintaining the continuity of air transport operations.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the GCAA, said under the guidance of the UAE’s wise leadership, the country managed this phase through a responsible approach that places human safety at the forefront of priorities, while ensuring the continuity of the aviation sector in meeting the needs of travellers.
He added: “The safety of passengers, pilots, flight crews and all personnel working in the aviation sector remains the absolute priority in all decisions related to airspace and flight operations. Despite the exceptional circumstances witnessed in the region in recent days, the UAE ensured the balanced management of air traffic through operating limited flights via approved contingency routes, ensuring the continuity of travel in line with the highest safety standards.”
He affirmed that the UAE aviation sector is steadily moving toward restoring normal operational levels, supported by continuous coordination with sector partners, neighbouring countries, as well as regional and international partners to ensure the efficient and safe continuity of air traffic.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said the UAE’s air transport system continues to operate with high efficiency to ensure the continuity of travel and passenger services, within an organized operational plan that takes into account operational developments as well as safety and security requirements.
