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Flying Low: An Air Travel Experience During Covid-19 Times

 

7 months down the line after Covid-19 struck; people are still struggling to cope with the new normal. Reminiscing about the life we had before, things we used to do and things we could have done better; are constant companions in my thoughts, as may be in the case of other people too.

 

As economies, industries and businesses across the globe are reeling under the pressure of the Covid-19 induced lockdown and the subsequent financial trauma; it is prudent for us to take steps to tide over this unprecedented situation.

 

People have relocated, lost jobs, and millions also have been furloughed for an unspecified amount of time & are desperately clinging on to hope and thinning finances with absolutely no clarity on the future.

 

As Government’s across the globe are taking drastic measures to contain the pandemic, human lives are on the edge by the day. Holed up inside the relative safety of our homes and safe jobs; keeping ourselves updated about the situation through the internet and news platforms and speculating about the grim situation is way different from facing an uncertain future.

 

As I set out to travel to Kochi for an upcoming project of mine after  7months, I came face to face with the ground realities and got a glimpse of some of the problems faced by the less fortunate ones.

 

Unavailability of sufficient trains and other modes of mass transport systems people are forced to fly to reach their homes, to their loved ones, or to any jobs or opportunities  they get their hands on in a desperate bid to survive.

 

A gentleman who was seated next to me in full PPE KIT told me he was going to Kochi as he’s got a work opportunity there. He a carpenter by trade and his two sons were relocating to Kochi, as works in Bombay were not starting up due to Covid-19 and they had huge family back in UP they have to fend for. I realised sitting around and waiting for the situation to drastically improve was not an option for many even during this pandemic. The last time I checked the cases were on the rise in Kerala too, so how long he will be able to sustain his job there is also a thing to ponder on.

 

The bustling Mumbai airport had a sombre air about it and the usual chirpy, laughter and banter filled mood was missing from it. People were silent with forlorn expressions on their faces and my mind wandered to think what was going on in their minds at that moment.

 

As vigilant airport staff, security personnel and flight crew, all of them in PPE Kits, face shields, masks and gloves helped us through our procedures, it felt as if the entire thing was a set straight out of a Sci Fi movie that mirrored a very weary sentiment as if we were being flying into or ushered into an uncertain future.

 

After a very silent flight we landed at our destination and as people slowly moved on to get the baggage’s and do the documentation procedure near the exit for entry into the state; sort of an internal immigration procedure due to the Covid-19 protocols set by the state, we walked to proceed with our onward journey.

I couldn’t help think what will happen to all of us, if things don’t come back to a controlled scenario in the coming months or are we looking forward to a bleak uncertain future.

Hoping that everyone stays safe and sound. Till we meet again. 

do svidaniya!!!







 

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