Today, we take a look at Easter in aviation and how airports and airlines alike helped to brighten passengers’ journeys during the hectic travel period. Whilst airlines focussed on catering to passengers’ desire for all things sweet and surprising them with friendly faces, an airport in Europe created and showcased a rather unique Easter egg that, as will become clear further on, is certainly not for consumption!
Vilnius International Airport, Lithuania – An Uneggpected Surprise
During the Easter holidays, Lithuania’s Vilnius International Airport (VNO) was the location of a striking Easter egg installation made of more than 1,000 prohibited items confiscated from passengers. Included among the numerous items were knives, scissors, lighters, shaving blades and other dangerous objects.
Officials state that, on average, 10 scissors and 8 knives are confiscated from passengers’ hand luggage per day. In response and to highlight luggage safety rules, the airport took such an unusual approach in the hope that the colourful art piece would stick in passengers’ minds to remind them to always check baggage restrictions before flying.
Measuring nearly 5 ft in height, construction of the installation took place over several months, with the various items being glued onto an egg-shaped frame.
The eye-catching installation was the brainchild of Mr Algirdas Venzlauskas, shift manager of the aviation security department at the airport. On the egg’s dual purpose of attracting passengers’ attention and serving as an educational tool, Mr Venzlauskas said:
“We have a backlog of these small but prohibited items found in hand luggage, as we have to dispose of them safely according to the rules. One day, it occurred to me that it might be possible to reuse them in a practical and meaningful way. As these items are multi-coloured, they were perfect for creating an Easter egg. It draws the attention of passengers and thus fulfils its educational purpose. It is also a way of bringing playfulness to our serious and responsible routine at the airport”.
Melbourne Airport, Australia – Raising Bunny For A Good Cause
On Good Friday, Melbourne Airport (MEL) teamed up with the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) to raise vital funds for the city’s Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). As a part of the annual Good Friday Appeal, the Easter Bunny and volunteers were on hand with collection tins to collect donations from generous travellers, with plenty of fun to be had throughout the day as well.
Travellers were given the opportunity to play spin the wheel with the chance to win free doughnuts, ice cream cones and mystery gifts. Members of the ARFFS also helped to serve tasty hot cross buns, hot dogs and soft drinks all in aid of a good cause.
Melbourne Airport has supported the RCH’s Good Friday Appeal for a number of years. When worldwide travel restrictions were in place in 2021 and passenger numbers were severely affected, the airport went the extra mile in organising a virtual tin shake to continue raising funds for this worthy cause.
The final tally for the 2023 Good Friday appeal stands at a record-breaking $23,061,320, the highest amount ever raised in the campaign’s almost 100-year history.
Emirates – Hot Cross Fun
Renowned for serving up culinary delights for passengers travelling to celebrate religious festivals such as Diwali and devising delicious dishes for those travelling to cultural festivals such as Oktoberfest, Emirates once again hit the mark with a range of mouth-watering meals and deserts during the busy Easter travel period.
Between April 7–10, passengers travelling with the airline were treated to a variety of Easter desserts and seasonal specialties. The airline’s culinary offerings were available to passengers in all cabin classes on selected routes from Dubai to Australia, the USA, Canada, Europe, the UK, Brazil, the Philippines, South Africa, Mauritius and Ghana.
Passengers in economy class were treated to hot cross buns or carrot cake with tres leches sauce whilst those in first, business and premium economy class had the chance to indulge in chocolate cake garnished with creamy ganache and redcurrants or a strawberry cheesecake topped with a mini-Easter egg.
The airline’s global network of lounges also offered traditional lamb dishes, and Simnel cake with marzipan was available for those visiting the A380 onboard lounge.
In addition, the airline will continue its special offering for passengers celebrating Orthodox Easter from April 14–17 on selected routes, including those to Cyprus and Greece.
Lufthansa – Wish You Were Hare
Whilst passengers travelling to and from Germany have faced numerous struggles in recent months, with IT failures and strikes grounding services, one airline entrusted some special furry guests to lift the spirits of young travellers arriving at two of the country’s busiest airports.
In the week leading up to the Easter holidays, passengers arriving at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) and Munich International Airport (MUC) were given the chance to meet Lufthansa‘s avian mascots Lu and Cosmo and the Easter Bunny himself, respectively. Passengers were encouraged by the airline to share photos of their interactions with the friendly critters on social media.
Cheerful Lu and Cosmo have acted as representatives of the airline for a number of years, with their aim being to make travelling a more enjoyable and memorable experience for young passengers. The mascots even feature as characters in interactive gaming apps.
What are your thoughts on Vilnius Airport’s unique Easter egg? Did you fly with any of the above airlines during the Easter holiday period? Let us know in the comments!
