Impact of Covid 19 on Aviation Industry.

Corona virus COVID-19 has all but stopped global aviation activity, putting millions of jobs at risk and causing drastic & significant reduction in revenues. Experts the world over confer that the aviation industry will take a long long time to recover from this crisis. 

When thinking of major airports worldwide, we must look more broadly than their aviation-related activity and recognize their critical role in cities. In fact, many of the world’s busiest airports operate as cities in their own right. They are vital pieces of urban infrastructure and are major contributors to the economic success of cities, regions and nations.

Most airports have already embarked on the journey operating as meaningful hubs for civic use. We see airports broadening the ‘airport city’ model into more vibrant, mixed use urban environments which support leisure and culture (with museums, cinemas, shopping for non-aviation users) as much as workplaces and other airport-related business activities. 

The process of turning airports and other inner and outer-city transport interchanges into centers for meaningful urban living, working and play is already underway. Whilst the aviation industry starts to recover, the COVID-19 pause in airport, and other transport activity, presents an opportunity to accelerate the path to take a step further into creating truly urban and highly connected sustainable neighborhoods.

Corona COVID-19 will undoubtedly transform our neighborhoods most of which currently offer very little or nothing at all for those visiting. Since the crisis started we have seen unprecedented levels of community support and connectedness (despite the social distancing) and the challenges that come with being located further away from the city such as lack of employment opportunities, limited connectivity, poor air quality or lack of urban vitality and cultural offerings have clearly surfaced. 

For once, the fear of the virus, social distancing norms and strict lock-down pedagogy on personal hygiene were thrown to the wind along with the caution, as serpentine lines extended for miles in some of our cities. The spectacle, which is constant across small towns and through days, is not unique to India.

The predictions or fears made for these sectors like travel & tourism will not last long if we can think positive thoughts. People will never stop traveling. But yes, we also need to change our thinking. If you don't taste something new in life, you won't get the fun of survival.