The General Civil Aviation Authority in the United Arab Emirates has confirmed that air traffic across the country is gradually returning to normal operational levels following the exceptional circumstances that affected the region in recent days The authority explained that the UAE managed the situation with a high level of professionalism through carefully designed operational and regulatory measures that ensured the safety of passengers while maintaining the continuity of air travel operations The development reflects the strength of the country’s aviation management system which relies on proactive planning and close coordination between relevant authorities to maintain the highest international safety standards in the aviation sector.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the General Civil Aviation Authority stated that the United Arab Emirates handled this phase according to a responsible approach guided by the vision of the national leadership which places human safety as the highest priority while ensuring the continued operation of the aviation sector which serves as a vital pillar for travel tourism and international trade He added that authorities worked to maintain a careful balance between operational continuity and strict safety requirements in order to provide reliable air transport services for passengers in accordance with global aviation standards.

Al Marri emphasized that the safety of passengers pilots aircraft crews and all employees working within the aviation sector remains the absolute priority in all decisions related to the management of the country’s airspace Despite the exceptional regional developments the UAE ensured that air traffic continued in a balanced and controlled manner by operating a limited number of flights through approved emergency air routes This approach helped sustain travel operations while strictly adhering to international aviation safety standards and minimizing the impact of regional challenges on flight operations.

Operational indicators highlight the success of these measures as airports across the United Arab Emirates served more than 1.4 million passengers between March 1 and March 12 2026 This figure reflects the resilience and efficiency of the country’s aviation ecosystem and its ability to manage complex operational conditions while maintaining smooth travel movement across UAE airports Al Marri noted that the aviation sector is steadily moving toward restoring normal operating levels through continued coordination with local industry partners neighboring countries and international aviation stakeholders.

For his part Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the UAE air transport system continues to operate with high efficiency under a structured operational plan designed to ensure travel continuity and passenger service while fully considering operational conditions as well as safety and security requirements within the national airspace He explained that ongoing coordination between aviation authorities airports and airlines plays a key role in maintaining stability and flexibility within the aviation system across the country.

Al Suwaidi also revealed that the UAE airspace recorded a total of 7839 air traffic movements between March 1 and March 12 which demonstrates the effectiveness of efforts aimed at gradually and systematically restoring air traffic operations He added that national carriers have already started recovering a significant portion of their operational activities with current indicators showing that total operational activity of UAE national airlines has reached approximately 44.6 percent of the overall operational levels that existed before the recent regional tensions.

The General Civil Aviation Authority stressed that UAE airlines possess the operational capacity and expertise required to gradually restore full flight operations in the coming period especially as coordination continues with regional and international aviation partners to ensure safe efficient and uninterrupted air traffic movement reinforcing the UAE’s position as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.

The authority also expressed its appreciation for the cooperation shown by travelers and their commitment to following the instructions and guidance issued by the relevant authorities which played a major role in maintaining smooth movement within airports during this period.

Passengers were also advised to continue monitoring updates issued by airlines and to verify the status and timing of their flights before heading to airports as this will help facilitate travel procedures and avoid unnecessary waiting times while the aviation sector continues its gradual return to normal operations in the United Arab Emirates.