ISTANBUL 

Air traffic across the United Arab Emirates is gradually returning to normal as airports and national carriers steadily resume operations amid regional tensions, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority said Friday.

The authority said in a statement that airports across the country and national airlines are witnessing a “gradual and carefully managed” resumption of operations.

The authority stressed that passenger and crew safety remains the top priority, and flights are being operated according to the highest international standards to ensure safe and smooth travel.

Travelers were advised to check the status of their flights and follow the latest updates from airlines before heading to the airport.

According to the authority, airports in the UAE have served around 1.4 million passengers since the beginning of March, while 7,839 air traffic movements have been recorded in the country’s airspace.

National carriers have so far restored 44.6% of their previous operational levels, it added.

Tensions across the Middle East have flared up since Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, and affecting global markets and aviation.