The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the world, as we once know it, for the times to come. Apart from taking a toll on individuals, this pandemic has also shaken the world's economies by temporarily shutting down industries, including the aviation sector. Airlines globally are grounded in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.

But, there is enough good news for this sector after all! According to experts, the aviation industry will bounce back even stronger once the pandemic is behind us, but not before going through substantial changes in flying practices.

This outbreak has most likely altered the way humans travel for several years to come. But, in no way is it indicative of the fact that air travel will altogether become rare. People will take to the skies again just as frequently as they used to, although in a different manner.

More on The Post Pandemic Flying Practices
How exactly will this pandemic reshape air travel? A future flyer will expose themselves to stricter pre-flight health checks, perhaps limited in-flight meals, empty middle seats, and fewer destinations to fly to until the effect of COVID-19 becomes fully dormant.

Furthermore, essential travel is expected to take precedence over tourism for a substantial amount of time. However, several families that are stuck apart due to the present state of affairs will rush to fly for a reunion the minute lockdowns in various parts of the world lift.

The adage is right that no matter how bleak the situation, there is always a silver lining! Post pandemic passengers will enter squeaky clean airports where they will stand at a safe distance from each other.

Long queues for check-in and security check will disappear, and passengers will be attended to one at a time while the rest will sit and wait for their turn. Airport authorities have already begun marking spots on the floor so that passengers strictly adhere to social distancing norms put forth my various authorities.

Travelerswon't be allowed inside the airport and an aeroplane without a mask that fully covers their nose and mouth. This regulation will also be compulsory for all airport ground personnel as well as the cabin crew and pilots. It is also highly likely that airlines might reduce their ticket fares initially to woo customers back.

First Steps After the Pandemic
Presently, more than 16,000 aeroplanes are grounded worldwide, none of which will fly again until aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) deem them worthy. Why? Planes can't just be dusted back into service! While technology will play a crucial role in coming times, planes will require plenty of attention in terms of maintenance while in storage and when in service. For example, the hydraulics and flight-control systems of two-thirds of the world's planes will require thorough checks before they are airborne again, and the onus to get this job done falls on AMEs.

The Bottom Line
It is needless to expect any industry to thrive, while the pandemic is still unfolding. But, airlines are aware that there already exists a pent-up demand for flying. Therefore, a mammoth sector like aviation is already preparing for a stronger than before resurgence.

Moreover, the history of pandemics has two things in common – First, they appear, and second, they disappear! The same is said to be the fate of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the aviation industry, although temporarily hit will be the fastest to flourish soon after.