Paris, 15 April 2020 – These incredible scenes were captured by one of the v1images Aviation Media team at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on 8th April 2020. They show the eerie scenes in an airport that saw 76,150,007 passengers and 498,175 aircraft movements in 2019. That equates to an average of 208,630 passengers and 1,365 aircraft movements per day reduced to almost nothing but cargo and repatriation flights due to the ongoing Coronavirus.
French president Emmanuel Macron announced a further extension to the lockdown in France until 11th May 2020 to suppress COVID-19 even further. This extension means scenes like these captured will remain until at least that date, and could still be extended further.
Globally this will be a similar picture around airports everywhere, where airlines have grounded fleets as well as furloughed staff. Some airports are also consolidating any flights that do operate to single runways and even single terminals like London Heathrow Airport.
While the lifting of lockdowns may be only a few weeks away, the lifting of travel restrictions and quarantine measures may take even longer to phase out. What this means for the aviation industry is a much more drawn out road to recovery which sadly may see more airlines becoming economic casualties of the Coronavirus and its rapid spread around the world.
It is important to note at the foot of this piece that our team member was permitted access and allowed to be at the airport during this period the images were taken. If you would like to make use of any of these images all enquiries must be send to sales@v1images.com.
All images © v1images Aviation Media / Simon Fontimpe.
