Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Time Pressure; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Procedure
I am not sure the exact detail but it is my understanding that due the COVID crisis ZZZZ airport (ZZZZ) shuts down operation at XA:00 Local. Aircraft X is 'scheduled' to depart at XZ:50 L. Clearly this is unrealistic planning. CLEARLY. I had done this flight the previous week; for the first time; and didn't appreciate how unrealistic the planning was. This is because we got to the airport early; had a light load and we were authorized an early departure. That flight was 'uneventful'. This flight was very different. We showed up on time but were unable to get on the airplane because they were still deplaning wheelchair passengers. The flight was full; XXX passengers that all expected and deserve an uneventful flight. The agents did the best job possible; as well as the flight attendants (who did; as usual; a wonderful job as they were quite aware of the restriction at hand). ZZZZ airport operations is also quite aware of the unrealistic nature of this plan and; although trying to be helpful; were constantly reminding us of the impending airport shutdown. We blocked out 1 minute early. The push and startup were uneventful although very rushed; despite the knowledge we needed to be safe and not 'rush to comply'!  We had planned; per the ATIS; for a south departure but ZZZZ; I am sure to 'help' the flow; changed the departure to the north. We safely accomplished all checklists and briefings and managed to make it down and 'ready for takeoff' at approximately XX:00 z. The whole time from pre gate to this point we had been 'reminded' multiple times by everyone including dispatch (who did a fine job) of the impending 'return' to the gate if we didn't get airborne on the hour. Upon check in with tower we were told to stand by. I was fully expecting them to tell us that we were unable to depart and to return to the gate. We waited and were ultimately cleared for takeoff. Our off time is XX:03 z. It is my belief that; despite the accounting of this event; the entire crew did an outstanding job and I believe we did not compromise safety despite multiple opportunities to do so. I am filing this report the unsafe nature of this 'setup' and also to account for a 'late' departure from ZZZZ at XX:03 z (XA:03 L). The rest of the flight was; thankfully; uneventful.I believe my previous description outlines the factors. How anyone can plan for a 10-minute window on a full international flight; departing at XA:00 am body clock time in a foreign location is beyond me. This is an accident or a incident waiting to happen that is totally unnecessary. This is a peacetime operation; not wartime.Change the schedule. Put some realistic thought into how pilots can be pushed into rushing to comply. As the Captain I had to balance the needs of our passengers; the demands of the local airport personnel; the well-being of the crew and the safety of entire operation leading into a stressful 10 minutes of 'getting it done'. I will be inclined to decline in the future.
Air carrier Captain reported that a foreign airport under COVID-19 closure scheduling does not allow for proper pre-flight procedures.