UAE airports served 1.4 million passengers in 12 days as flights resume
Aviation sector restores services while maintaining strict safety standards
DUBAI – More than 1.4 million passengers travelled through airports across the UAE between March 1 and 12, as the country’s aviation sector gradually returned to normal operational levels following exceptional circumstances in the region.
According to the General Civil Aviation Authority, the restoration of air traffic was achieved through carefully coordinated operational and regulatory measures designed to maintain passenger safety while ensuring the continuity of air transport services.
Authorities said the UAE aviation system remained resilient throughout the recent disruptions, balancing operational efficiency with strict safety requirements.
Gradual recovery
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, who also serves as Chairman of the GCAA Board, said the country managed the situation through a responsible approach that prioritised human safety while maintaining the aviation sector’s ability to meet travellers’ needs.
He stressed that the safety of passengers, pilots, cabin crews and aviation personnel remained the absolute priority in decisions related to airspace and flight operations.
✈️????????Our national airports and carriers are seeing a progressive and strategic resumption of flight activity, driven by high operational readiness and seamless air traffic management. This gradual restoration highlights the resilience of the UAE’s aviation sector and its capacity… pic.twitter.com/hmPJ2jIw2l
— الهيئة العامة للطيران المدني (@gcaauae) March 13, 2026
Despite the exceptional circumstances witnessed across the region in recent days, the UAE continued managing air traffic through the operation of limited flights using approved contingency routes. These measures enabled travel to continue while adhering to the highest international safety standards.
Operational indicators underline the effectiveness of these efforts. Between March 1 and 12, UAE airports served more than 1.4 million passengers, demonstrating the ability of the country’s aviation system to manage challenging situations while maintaining smooth passenger movement.
Traffic movements
The GCAA also reported that 7,839 air traffic movements were recorded in UAE airspace during the same 12-day period.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi said the UAE’s air transport system continues to operate with high efficiency to ensure uninterrupted travel and passenger services.
He noted that these operations were carried out within a structured operational plan that closely monitors developments while ensuring compliance with safety and security requirements.
The recorded air traffic movements reflect ongoing efforts by aviation authorities and sector partners to restore air traffic gradually and systematically.
Airline operations
UAE national carriers have also begun restoring a significant portion of their flight schedules.
According to the GCAA, operational indicators show that the overall activity of UAE airlines has reached approximately 44.6 percent of the operational levels recorded before the current regional tensions.
This recovery highlights the ability of the country’s aviation sector to adapt quickly to evolving conditions while maintaining efficient air connectivity.
Authorities said the aviation sector continues to move steadily towards restoring normal operations, supported by continuous coordination between government entities, airlines, airports and regional as well as international partners.
Passenger guidance
The GCAA expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by travellers during the recent period, noting that adherence to official guidance helped maintain orderly passenger movement at airports.
Passengers were encouraged to continue following updates issued by airlines and relevant authorities regarding flight schedules and travel procedures.
Travellers are also advised to verify the status and timing of their flights before heading to airports, a step that can help facilitate travel procedures and reduce waiting times during the ongoing operational adjustments.