Airports: Empty Spaces And Quiet Places

Airports around the world have been left eerily empty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Houston's IAH airport is one example of an airport that has been left practically deserted due to travel restrictions and concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has waived minimum slot-use rules, and in Europe, the EU has cut the number of slots that airlines must use to preserve their rights from 80% to 50%.

The impact of the pandemic on airports

Airports are empty right now due to the pandemic. Many people are not flying, and shops, restaurants and other facilities are shut down. Houston's IAH airport is seriously empty, with photos showing what the airport looks like now, which is almost unreal.

The pandemic has had a huge impact on airports, with many airports that would normally be bustling with people now practically ghost towns. Some airports are eerier than others. The slump in flying has meant that airlines have had to fly empty or near-empty planes to keep their slots. Normally, airlines had to use 80% of their given slots to preserve their rights, but the EU has cut that to 50% to ensure as few empty or near-empty planes crisscross the sky as possible.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has waived similar minimum slot-use rules through March 26, citing the pandemic. Slots are limited at only a handful of U.S. airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York and Reagan Washington National outside Washington, D.C.

Despite the lack of travel, there are still handfuls of people who have to catch flights, whether that be because they're essential workers, need to get to a family member, or a number of other reasons. Masks are a popular item to tote at airports these days, and in many photos, you'll see people doing just that.

The number of people still travelling

Airports are currently empty due to the pandemic. Houston's IAH airport is seriously empty right now due to COVID-19 concerns that have halted many people's travel plans. However, there are still some people who have to catch flights, whether they are essential workers or need to get to a family member.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has waived minimum slot-use rules through March 26, citing the pandemic. This means that airlines do not have to guarantee a high percentage of flights to keep their landing and departure slots. Normally, airlines had to use 80% of their given slots to preserve their rights, but the EU has cut that to 50% to ensure as few empty or near-empty planes crisscross the sky as possible.

Shops, restaurants, and other amenities typically open in airports are also shut down, contributing to the eerie atmosphere. Photos from Houston's airport show what the airport looks like now, with very few people walking through the typically packed corridors. It is a surprising sight for many, as empty airports are usually only seen during red-eye flights.

The shops and restaurants that are closed

Airports are currently empty due to the pandemic, with many people choosing not to travel. This has resulted in the closure of shops, restaurants, and other businesses typically found in airports. For example, photos of Houston's IAH airport show a completely closed eatery with barriers covering every entrance. While some people still need to catch flights, such as essential workers or those travelling to see family, the overall lack of travel has left airports resembling ghost towns.

The number of empty or near-empty planes

Airports are currently empty due to the pandemic. Photos show empty airports, with shops, restaurants and eateries closed. Masks are a popular item to see at airports.

Despite the lack of passengers, airlines are still flying empty or near-empty planes. This is because landing and departure slots for popular routes in the biggest airports are extremely valuable. Airlines need to guarantee a high percentage of flights to keep their slots. Normally, airlines had to use 80% of their given slots to preserve their rights, but the EU has cut that to 50% to ensure as few empty or near-empty planes as possible. The US Federal Aviation Administration has also waived similar minimum slot-use rules.

The pollution concerns of loss-making flights

Airports have been described as ghost towns during the pandemic, with shops, restaurants and other facilities shut down.

The pandemic slump in flying has also raised questions about the practice of flying loss-making flights to maintain landing and departure slots. This practice has been criticised for its pollution concerns, but it is an extremely precious commodity in the industry. Airlines need to guarantee a high percentage of flights to keep their slots, and the EU has cut the minimum number of slots that need to be used from 80% to 50% to reduce the number of empty or near-empty planes in the sky.

Despite the criticism, the practice of flying empty or near-empty planes has continued during the pandemic. This is because the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has waived minimum slot-use rules, and slots are limited at only a handful of US airports. This means that airlines do not have to use as many slots to preserve their rights, and they can keep their valuable landing and departure slots.

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