Salahudheen inside the flight
When Salahudheen Mandottil boarded Air India Express IX-1348 from Dubai International Airport to Calicut last week, the 29-year old expatriate never imagined having the whole 182-seat jet for himself.
As luck would have it, Salahudheen, who was returning to Kerala for a 21-day vacation, became the only passenger on board when his fellow travellers got off at a stopover in Madurai Airport.
The journey has gone viral on social media ever since he posted a couple of selfie pictures and a video about the in-flight experience. While hiring a private jet for oneself is an expensive affair otherwise, diminished passenger traffic due to COVID-19 has made it possible for a lucky few to fly solo by paying for a single ticket.
The Malappuram-native spoke to Madhyamam over the phone, sharing the memorable moments from his once in a lifetime voyage.
A frequent traveller by air, Salahudheen was most excited about the VIP treatment he received from the 5-member cabin crew. He also recalled the privilege of avoiding the long time spent waiting on arrival - the check out process was smooth and quick, and he got to hire a cab at the earliest.
He also recalled the amusing response from others when he arrived: " flight pidichangu ponnu alley" (hired a jet for yourself ha!).
Salahudheen is currently under quarantine owing to COVID-19 protocols, eager to reunite with parents Abdurrahman and Beekutty, wife Irfana Thasni and daughter Shazmiya Afrin.