UAE airports handle 1.4 million passengers in first 12 days of March

UAE airports handle 1.4 million passengers in first 12 days of March

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has announced that the country’s airports handled more than 1.4 million passengers from 1 to 12 March 2026, signalling a gradual recovery towards normal operating levels following exceptional regional developments in recent days.

The authority said the figures reflect successful operational and regulatory measures to protect passengers and maintain aviation services, through professional air traffic management and limited flights using approved contingency routes under the highest safety standards, according to the Emirates News Agency.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and chairman of the authority, said the UAE adopted a responsible approach prioritising human safety while maintaining aviation services to meet passengers’ needs.

The safety of passengers, pilots, cabin crew and all aviation workers remains the overriding priority in airspace decisions, he said. Operating indicators demonstrate the success of efforts to keep travel moving smoothly and respond efficiently to changing circumstances.

Director-general Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi said UAE airspace recorded 7,839 aircraft movements from 1 to 12 March, reflecting progress in gradually restoring air traffic in an organised manner.

UAE airlines have begun recovering a substantial share of their operations. Their total operations in the country reached approximately 44.6% of pre-tension levels, demonstrating their ability to work progressively towards normal service.

The authority urged passengers to monitor airline updates and check flight status and departure times before travelling to airports, helping simplify procedures and avoid unnecessary waiting.

To read the Emirates News Agency report, click here.