A Chinese pilot bravely accepted the mission to rescue stranded Chinese nationals in Manila due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
On February 4, Zhong Rui is operating Xiamen Airlines Flight MF818 when he was notified that his flight en route to Jakarta was canceled and he was tasked to pick up stranded travelers in the Philippines.
In the light of the virus epidemic, the Philippines imposed a travel restriction on China, Hong Kong, and Macau last February 2, leaving hundreds of travelers stalled.
Zhong said he’s upbeat on finishing the rescue mission because his family gave him full support including his wife.
“It’s actually my first time to fly with a mask, but I was not afraid to carry out this task at all. I’m quite optimistic,” Zhong added.
He recounted how the crew guarantee prevention and protection measures were in place all throughout the flights.
“I understand the anxiety of the stranded travelers there because they have no idea when they are able to go home since all flights were canceled suddenly,”
They were able to rescue hundreds of stranded passengers in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
According to Zhong, the mission went smoothly except for the first flight where two of the passengers exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.
The two were eventually allowed to board the flight after they confirmed that the two have no travel history in Wuhan
The mission ended successfully when the flight landed at Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport in Fujian province.
For Zhong, seeing the relieved faces of stranded travelers means he did his job well.
“The successful accomplishment of the mission means a lot to me. It’s a test both on my professional and psychological state,” he said.
“I have to get a self-check to see whether I have to quarantine myself at home,” Zhong added.
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