Despite the UK lockdown restrictions easing slightly, air travel is still at an all-time low with the vast majority of scheduled and charter flights cancelled for the foreseeable future.

Of the few flights that are operating out of Bristol Airport during these times, many of those are so-called positioning flights, flying completely empty of passengers either for logistical reasons to move aircraft between bases, or, as is the case with the easyJet featured in this video, captured on Wednesday (May 20) simply take off, fly around for a short period of time, and then return to land! The reason for this is that the aircraft are required to undergo special maintenance checks if they don't fly for a period of 30 days.

Despite the UK lockdown restrictions easing slightly, air travel is still at an all time low with the vast majority of scheduled and charter flights cancelled for the foreseeable future.

This has had a massive impact on every UK airport, although arguably the biggest impact being felt by regional airports like Bristol Airport where there are now virtually no flights. I have put together a collection of clips of the planes parked up, basking in the sunshine. Quite a sorry sight to see these aircraft grounded with no immediate indication of when they may be able to fly again.

Of the few flights that are operating out of Bristol Airport during these times, many of those are 'positioning' flights, flying completely empty of passengers either for logistical reasons to move aircraft between bases, or, as is the case with the easyJet featured in this video, simply take off, fly around for a short period of time, and then return to land! The reason for this is that the aircraft are required to undergo special maintenance checks if they don't fly for a period of 30 days. Hence, like in this video, the aircraft departs with just 2 pilots onboard, and returns 15 minutes later, allowing the aircraft another 30 days on the ground before it either needs to be taken for another spin or undergo enhanced maintenance checks.