After a three-week trip turned into a 65-day sojourn in the United States for my family due to the COVID-19 travel ban, we finally managed to head back to India on the special repatriation flight as part of the Indian government’s Vande Bharat Mission. Here’s a look at some scenes from our journey from Newark Airport, New Jersey to New Delhi.
Lining up to board the repatriation flight at Newark Airport with New York Consulate staff checking our passports and tickets. Photo: Connected to India
Thermal screening at Newark Airport. Photo: Connected to India
Walking through a deserted and shutdown concourse at Newark before boarding our flight home. Photo: Connected to India
Passengers settling down for a 14-hour plane ride home. Photo: Connected to India
Seated in groups of 20 according to social distancing protocols before immigration check. Photo: Connected to India
Social distancing at the deserted immigration counter. Photo: Connected to India
The usually lively Duty Free section was closed down due to the lockdown. Photo: Connected to India
New building that travellers don’t normally enter. Photo: Connected to India
Taking the final step of choosing the quarantine hotel. Photo: Connected to India
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