The head of Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority said on Friday there are “positive indicators” that the maritime situation in the Red Sea is returning to normal following a decrease in Houthi attacks and the Gaza ceasefire, though major shipping companies are still avoiding the water way. 

The authority’s chairman, Lt. Gen. Osama Rabie, held a video call with the CEO of Danish shipping giant Maersk, Vincent Clerc, and a number of other executives from the company. During the meeting, Rabie said that the improved situation in the Red Sea should factor into shipping plans.

“The positive indicators witnessed by the Red Sea region should be considered when developing navigation plans and schedules during the coming period,” said Rabie, per a statement from the authority.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen began attacking ships in the Red Sea in October of 2023 in response to the Gaza war. The Houthis have said they are targeting ships with links to Israel, though many of the targeted vessels had no links to the country. The Suez Canal connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and approximately 30% of the world’s maritime traffic passed through the canal before the crisis.