A Visit to the Airport
Airport is a complex of buildings and runways for take-off, landing and maintenance of civil aircraft. It has facilities for passengers. It is interesting to see how the movement of so many planes is tracked in perfect order.
The one at kolkata is known as Netaji Subha Chandra Bose Airport. Few days back we were from school to see this airport. School bus dropped us at the domestic terminal. We formed a queue and entered the airport, trying not to come in the way of passengers. The ambience was very impressive. The lounge was brightly lit and tastefully decorated. Huge screens displaying the arrival and departure of flights greeted us at different spots.
It was a busy time of the day. There were a large number of people with baggage in tow, some standing in queue before ticket counters, some proceedings towards different numbered gates. There were many children also. We heard voices at short intervals announcing the arrival, departure or delay of flights and at times asking passengers to proceed towards a particular gate for security check.
There were counters of various airlines with smartly dressed men and women who were answering the queries of passengers, weighing their baggage and issuing boarding passes. The gift shops in the airport were well stocked with books, toys, chocolates and knick-knacks. We came across a florist with large varieties of flowers, a sari shop selling traditional bangles, saris, and numerous snacks counter. The assortment of snacks on display drew our attention. They had almost everything starting from pizzas, burgers, doughnuts, sandwiches to wafers, juices, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
We also saw airhostesses of Jet Airways, Air Deccan and Air Sahara. One pilot even stopped over to talk to us. He answered all our questions with a smile. He explained how he flew the plane with a control stick. He also told us that the experience to soar high among the clouds was unmatched. He left by asking us to go to the viewing gallery to see the take-off and arrival of planes.
We saw numerous X-ray machines scanning the baggage of passengers. Then we went to see the security checks being done. Security personnel frisked ex passenger and then stamped his boarding pass.
Our next destination was the viewing gallery. We could hardly contain our excitement as we raced in th stairs. The viewing gallery had sound-proof glass on one side and rows of chairs for people to sit and watch. Abus dropped passengers near the aircraft, and then they proceeded to climb the stairs leading into the aircraft. We saw the lights flashing on the tips of the wings of the plane. The door of the aircraft closed and the plane started to move towards the runway. Just short of the runway it stopped and a light came on the front of the plane. We could faintly hear the rumbling noise of the aircraft engine. The plane started to move again, this time with more speed. The speed kept on increasing and when it was in the middle of the runway, the plane started to climb up and was off the ground. After a while it appeared like a giant bird in the sky.
After spending a day in the airport my interest to travel by air piqued. I hope my wish is fulfilled soon.
