Fantasy flight experience excites Taiwanese passengers without leaving the ground

Over 10,000 people applied for the experience

Participants vie to answer a quiz during a fantasy flight in Taipei, Taiwan (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Taiwanese flying enthusiasts missing the thrill of air travel have found comfort in boarding a flight that didn’t take off.

Like many destinations around the world, the East Asian country has been affected by restrictions on international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an effort to lift the spirits of aviation lovers and promote awareness of Covid-19 prevention procedures, Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration organised a fantasy flight to recreate the experience of air travel once more – without starting the engines.

Participants were required to enter an online draw, with winners allowed to bring one guest. A total of 66 passengers boarded the grounded flight, according to AP.

As with a normal flight, passengers were required to check-in, obtain boarding passes and pass through security and immigration before being allowed to board.

The online lottery attracted 10,000 entries. After taking their seats, winners sporting face masks participated in a pop quiz and were served food and drink, before being given a good luck salute from fire engines that sprayed water.

After exiting the aircraft, passengers were given a security demonstration by customs officials accompanied by a sniffer dog.

“People who want to fly abroad have long been suffering,” said Wang Chih-ching, deputy director of the airport.

It’s hoped the event and subsequent publicity will help prepare travellers for flying once the ‘new normal’ commences and international flights resume, added Wang.

Participants show their boarding pass and passport during a mock trip abroad at Taipei Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Mobile game graphic designers Joyce Nieh and her friend Jessica Liu took selfies to mark the unusual occasion.

“Finally, we’re in a plane...pretending that we’re flying abroad,” Nieh said.

“I had to cancel all my international travel plans,” she said. “We were lucky to win the opportunity to participate.”

Taiwan has largely contained the spread of Covid-19, with just 449 confirmed cases and seven deaths.

Despite this, the island of almost 24 million people has maintained social distancing and travel restrictions.

More fantasy flights are planned for the coming days.