Confined in the Sky

Flying in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020)

I am a pilot for a Spanish airline.

Since the beginning of my flying career, I’ve always taken photographs.

I’m fascinated by the stories unfolding around aviation: passengers—businesspeople, immigrants, tourists, families—airport staff, flight crews, and even the homeless who live in airports.

In Spain, the COVID-19 state of alarm began on March 15, 2020. I flew again for the first time on April 19. The news at the time was apocalyptic, and I felt compelled to document this extraordinary moment that was profoundly affecting the transport industry and the livelihoods of millions around the world. In Spain, the impact was especially severe: tourism accounts for nearly 15% of the country’s GDP, and 80% of tourists arrive by plane.

With these photographs, I aim to shine a light on the people who kept working throughout the pandemic—those who made it possible for others to get to work, for families to reunite, and for critical medical supplies to reach their destinations.