JKIA shrouded in silence: Gearing for life post-corona, anticipating resumption of travels

Planes grounded at JKIA following the outbreak of COVID-19 (Edward Kiplimo)

Empty aisles, no man or woman at the check-in desk, a deserted baggage wrap stand, an eerie silence enveloping the entire ground. This is the scene at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). It is heart breaking to say the least.

As we make our way unencumbered to the runway, we are met with an intriguing sight. Over 10 planes, parked in a diagonal formation with nothing but a somber cover atop their jet engines. As if wearing sleep masks to tuck in for the night. But the bright sun glittering off their wings is taunting at the irony. Some metres away their cargo carrying brothers are bustling with activity.