Two passengers and an airport staff (left) walk in a nearly empty terminal at Beijing Capital International Airport, in Beijing, on April 13, 2020. (NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP)

BEIJING - China's air passenger numbers have recovered to nearly one third of the level seen in the same period last year, as the novel coronavirus epidemic wanes and transport restrictions were lifted in some cities, the country's top civil aviation authorities said Wednesday.

China's air traffic has been steadily recovering since late February. Daily air passenger numbers hit 458,300 in March, surging 69.8 percent over February, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

As of Tuesday, daily passenger numbers rose to 494,400, about one third of the level of the same period last year

Air traffic continued to rebound in April. As of Tuesday, daily passenger numbers rose to 494,400, up 7.9 percent from March and about one third of the level of the same period last year. The number of flights had jumped to 6,586 per day, exceeding 40 percent of the volume of the same period a year ago.

ALSO READ: Airlines set to cap seat numbers amid concerns

China has taken multi-pronged measures to protect the health of nationals abroad and bring home those in need, Jin said.

The country sent nine charter planes to bring back 1,466 Chinese in Iran and Italy in March. Among them were medical professionals, working staff and overseas students.

Since April, 11 charter planes have been sent to pandemic-stricken countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy and Spain to evacuate 2,009 nationals, including 1,734 students studying in those countries.

READ MORE: Chartered flights for students arranged