Airports are strange spaces. In theory, they are made for logistics - getting people from one place to another. But in reality, they are like emotional waiting rooms where people are holding on or letting go. Behind each suitcase and boarding pass, there is a personal story - a new chapter, a big change, an emotional reunion, or perhaps someone trying to hold it together while moving to somewhere new. It is like we are in an 'in-between space' where no one truly belongs, but everyone is experiencing a big chapter of their life. You do not have to be dramatic to feel things at an airport. You just need to look around.
Here Are 5 Reasons Why Emotions Run High At An Airport:
1. Anticipation And Excitement Of An Upcoming Trip
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It is difficult to find a more enthusiastic person than someone going on a vacation. Airports are full of them. With a hat in hand, trendy reels saved on Instagram and a sheepish look for extra baggage, you will find these sleep-deprived individuals excitedly discussing their itinerary, grabbing a cup of airport coffee and discussing what outfits they finally packed.
2. The Heaviness Of Goodbyes
A place cannot be called emotional without some sadness, and airports acknowledge that. Loved ones come all the way to the airport for that one last goodbye and the warmest hug they can exchange. If you are a fan of the film 'Love Aaj Kal,' you would remember Deepika Padukone's famous dialogue: "Jaane se pehle, ek aakhri baar milna kyun zaroori hota hai?"
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3. The Joy Of Returning Home
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There is NOTHING like home, and even the airport can make you feel that. For those with a flight ticket back home, the touchdown of their plane at the airport may offer that same sense of relief and joy as if they have already reached their house.
4. The Rush Of Making It On Time
What makes airports so emotionally charged is the fact that even one traveller may be feeling five emotions at once. Apart from the goodbyes and reunions, there are a million things (and stress) to take care of - clearing security check smoothly, counting all bags, checking where your Aadhaar card is 17 times, making a quick bathroom stop, reaching the boarding gate on time, and so on. It's like you can only breathe peacefully after the flight takes off.
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5. The "Good" Scared Of A Fresh Start
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If you have to pinpoint a place where life turns to a new chapter, it could be the airport for many of us. For those moving to another city for a new job or higher studies, it's a place where you say goodbye (even if it is temporary) to all that is familiar for a wonderful future. The airport stands as a witness to this mix of courage, hope, a "good" kind of being scared, and lots of excitement for what lies ahead.
Aren't airports some kind of magical place? The next time you find yourself here, boarding a flight or bidding adieu, remember you will be a part of this beautiful chaos of human emotion.
