Images of Countless Grounded Planes in Changi Airport Shows the Tangible Effects of COVID-19

By
Siti Hawa
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The coronavirus situation all over the world is showing little to no signs of abating.

This is true even for Singapore where the authorities have had to resort to drastic measures recently such as closing entertainment outlets like cinemas and karaokes.

Goodybye social life.

But arguably one of the worst-hit is the tourism industry following tighter border control measures all over the world.

And if there are no tourists.. who’s going to hop on board a plane?

Images of Countless Grounded Planes in Changi Airport Shows the Tangible Effects of COVID-19

Earlier it was reported that 96% of Singapore Airlines’ scheduled capacity up till the end of April had been slashed.

This came after tightening of border controls all over the world in a bid to prevent further spread of the COVID-19.

An SIA spokesperson said, “It is unclear when the SIA Group can begin to resume normal services, given the uncertainty as to when the stringent border controls will be lifted.”

In addition to that, there has been a fall in the demand for air travel which has subsequently led to a “significant decline in SIA’s passenger revenues.”

Thus, around 138 SIA and SilkAir planes out of a total fleet of 147 will be grounded.

The company’s low-cost unit, Scoot, will also suspend “most of its network” and will ground all but two of its 49 planes.

As we all know, Changi Airport serves millions of passengers each year.

To help you grasp what a difference the plane groundings has caused, this netizen took to Facebook to share the peculiar sight that we don’t see everyday.

Grounded Planes At Changi Airport

A picture posted on Facebook shows a sea of yellow, aka all the grounded planes at Changi Airport.

Image: Facebook (Viswanathan Siva)
Image: MSNews

It’s pretty strange to see so many grounded planes with nowhere to go. If anything, it shows us just how serious this whole coronavirus outbreak is.

Changi Airport Deserted 

Of course, since planes are grounded it also means that there are no tourists or travellers, so what happens to Changi Airport?

Image: Instagram

Spoiler: It is very empty. Now is the best time for you to go to Shake Shack.

Just kidding, please stay at home as much as you can and practice social distancing.

A video that was taken at the airport on 23 March shows that Changi Airport is now a ghost town.

The outside of the departure hall is also no different from the inside.

Image: Instagram (@sinjin.lim)

The Situation In Singapore

The coronavirus situation in Singapore as of 24 March saw that there were 49 new cases of the coronavirus of which 32 were imported infections.

In total, Singapore’s confirmed cases stand at 558.

The 32 imported cases had recent travel history to Europe, North America, Australia, the Middle East, ASEAN and other parts of Asia. All except two were returning residents and long term pass holders.

Out of the imported cases, 25 are Singapore citizens or permanent residents while five are long term visitor pass holders.

I’m sure that many of us have had to cancel or postpone our travel plans. Moreover, the uncertainty is definitely unnerving but hang on, because we can get through this together.

In the meantime, do remember to exercise good personal hygiene and avoid crowded places whenever possible.

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Siti Hawa
Email: [email protected]