The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has levied a fine of ₹30 lakhs on Air India, a civil airline, in response to an incident on February 16th where an 80-year-old passenger collapsed and died after not receiving a wheelchair upon disembarking from a flight at Mumbai airport.
Reports indicate that the elderly passenger had requested a wheelchair at Mumbai airport but decided to walk due to a lengthy wait caused by high demand for wheelchairs. Tragically, he collapsed during the immigration process and subsequently passed away.
This incident occurred on February 12th following the passenger’s arrival on an Air India flight from New York. Despite the DGCA’s inquiries, Air India did not provide information regarding disciplinary action against the responsible staff or measures taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Earlier this month, the DGCA issued a show cause notice to Air India, to which the airline responded on February 20th. Air India stated that the passenger chose to walk alongside his wheelchair-bound spouse rather than wait for another wheelchair.
In response to the incident, the DGCA has issued an advisory to all airlines to ensure an adequate supply of wheelchairs for passengers needing assistance during embarkation and disembarkation.
Air India released a statement, expressing regret over the incident and explaining that the passenger was promptly taken to the hospital upon falling ill, as advised by airport medical staff. The airline affirmed its commitment to providing wheelchair assistance to pre-booked passengers and is providing support to the deceased passenger’s family.
Meanwhile, recent measures to alleviate congestion and delays at Mumbai airport have led to fewer flight arrival delays, offering relief to the thousands of travelers who pass through the airport daily.
