And it was almost business as usual for the world's biggest observation wheel during the two-day holiday.

Monday's number of riders was on par with an average day though still lower than typical for a public holiday.

Flyer officials were unable to confirm yesterday's ridership but said it looked to be better 'judging from the crowds'.

Police gave the observation wheel the go-ahead late on Sunday night, just hours after TUV SUD, the German company testing its new back-up systems, had submitted its certification report.

Engineers had worked round the clock over two weeks to build the back-ups so that the Flyer, which had been closed for a month following a stoppage, could meet its own deadline for reopening.

One of those who went back up was Ms Izan Karim, 20, a server who was stranded on the Flyer when it stopped on Dec 23. That day, she wept as she was lowered from the capsule in a harness. But on Monday, she was all smiles as she went back to work serving guests champagne.

Shops and restaurants confirmed that customer traffic was nearly back to normal, after seeing business drop by up to 90 per cent during the closure.

Mr Vinod Jakhmola, senior unit manager of sports bar O'Learys, said he saw over 150 customers on Monday, on a par with an average day's traffic. The bar had suffered a 25 per cent decrease in sales. 'Our lunchtime crowd today was even better, so things look good,' he said yesterday.

Hundreds of people, both locals and tourists, were seen milling around the attraction over the last two days.

On the second floor, Madam Fang Tu Mei waved at her two grandchildren and daughter as they boarded a capsule one floor up. 'We're here because it's good fun,' said the 58-year-old retiree.

Asked if she was worried about a repeat of the pre-Christmas stoppage, she shook her head and said that breakdowns were to be expected.

But other visitors were more wary. A 36-year-old teacher, who was there with her family, said: 'I'll wait for six months before I ride it.'

Last month, the 165m-tall attraction made international headlines when an electrical fire in the control room caused it to stall for six hours, trapping 173 passengers.

It had to remain closed, while repairs were made and two new back-ups, comprising a second operating system and winches, were added.

Chairman Florian Bollen would confirm only that the Flyer's losses during the closure would 'run into the millions'. He said: 'The insurers have been on the case the last four weeks. We know they will cover most of the losses incurred. We are still working through the details.'

The Straits Times reported earlier this month that an audit report had surfaced, questioning the Flyer's profitability.

The Flyer is also facing legal action taken by an audio company and one of its board directors. But it is understood that none of the 173 affected passengers has asked for compensation.

Yesterday, officials said that customers who had bought tickets from the Flyer itself for rides during the closure can either get a refund or reschedule their trips within the next three months.

twong@sph.com.sg