Planes Sit in Storage at Alice Springs Airport During International Aviation Shutdown

Dozens of airplanes from international companies were seen sitting dormant at Alice Springs Airport on June 30 as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the virtual shutdown of the aviation industry.

The planes included some Singapore Airlines-branded Airbus A380s that had been kept at the airport since late April 2020.

Border closures and restrictions on international travel due to the coronavirus pandemic have forced airlines to drastically reduce flights. Australian airline Qantas suspended all international flights until the end of October 2020, except for potential flights between Australia and New Zealand.

Alice Springs was preferred as a site for plane storage due to its year-round dry climate and low humidity, according to reports. Credit: Kim Daysh via Storyful